I like the guy down the street... HELP?

I am a freshmen in HS. I like the guy that lives 3 houses down from me. He is a junior in HS. We have been really good friends since we were little. We both LOVE soccer, and sometimes play outside together(but ONLY with other ppl) never alone. Ever since he got his driving permit, we havent been hanging out really at all. I see him at school EVERYDAY but i just walk past his locker to mine because usually his friends are there and i dont wanna just walk up and say high. I don't know what to do because i think he might like me based on when we hang out, not lately though, but he is really shy when it comes to the whole 'relationship' thing and he has never had a girlfriend. I dont know what to do. PLEASE help me. What should i do since he is kinda shy about that (so am i) never had a BF either.... i need some advice because he is such a nice, easygoing, genuine guy. Thanx in advance :)