Is this what all 'popular' guys do?

Well, this year there has been a guy in all my classes and he is a friendly and outgoing guy and very athletic/talented, what i found strange though is this year he and his friend have been super polite and nice to me, always compliment me on my art and drawings etc. and defend me and get all protective when someone is being mean to me (even if they are obviously joking around) him and his friend sometimes go out of their way to do this stuff and i often see one of them staring at me and he is always facing me from accross the room in class, as in his whole body is facing me, maybe this is coincidence i have thought? but it has been confusing me because - he is popular and flirty and hugs lots of girls and i often see him talking to this blonde/spray tan girl who is a senior (much older) but i just dont think he is a 'player' i think there is more to him then that... he asks my friends questions about class etc but glances at me.. he also wanted to partner up for a get-to-know-you class task with me, but i dont know if that was just so he could be near his friend? what do you think, does he like me...i like him but im not as 'popular' and i dont want to but i sometimes ponder if he is out of my league? i am greatful for any answers :)