Why does he avoid direct contact with me but is normally in my path anywhere i go during school and stares at me all the time? His friends also stare at me even if he's not around 

The boy might be shy to look at you directly. And about the friends, he might have told his friends that he likes you and that could be why they are staring at you. Usually boys used to tease girls by calling his name. They might be afraid that you would complaint or what.

PS. Believe, because I have done these before when a friend of mine told me that he likes a girl.