I need help with guy problems?

OK so... there is this guy that i know but i haven't talked to him for awhile and he just started talking to me again. he used to go to my school but he switched so yeah i did not meet him anywhere weird. he is really nice and i think i am starting to like him. the problem is when he went to my school before he was kinda weird and left a strange impression with all of my friends.hes not like creepy or anything he was just kinda nerdy and im not really. they all HATE him and they think he is a freak. when i told them he talked to me they said ewww and said to tell him that i don't like him and to tell him to leave me alone. the problem is... is that i don't really want to.i really think he has changed a lot. I want to get to know him but i am afraid of what my friends will think of me. i also feel mean saying to him ok lets hang out but.,.. don't tell anyone from my school. i don't want him to feel like i am embarred by him. sooo what do you think i should do? should i just stick with my friends considering i see them everyday and i haven't seen this guy in almost a year? well thanks for the help =)