PonyFans.com feature: A WHOLE NEW MAN

Post by **PonyPride** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:22 pm

When presented with a new assignment, some people have the ability to remake themselves to complete the job assigned. When sophomore Zac Thomas was told he would be moving from defensive end to defensive tackle, he undertook a rigorous offseason conditioning program designed to add strength and bulk before the start of the upcoming season. Now expected to be a key part of the Ponies├â┬ó├óΓÇÜ┬¼├óΓÇ₧┬ó defensive tackles rotation, Thomas visited with PonyFans.com to discuss his offseason regimen and his expectations for the 2008 season.

http://www.ponyfans.com/features/index.php?id=39

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kull · Post by **kull** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:27 pm

nice read

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:44 pm

Wow! 46 pounds. He could really help inside at that size.

ALEX LIFESON · Post by **ALEX LIFESON** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:30 pm

Very impressive!

BleedingRed+Blue · Post by **BleedingRed+Blue** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:21 pm

You guys do a great job of finding the stories that are both interesting and important, and you take the time to explain them beautifully. Thanks, PonyFans. Great story.

kull · Post by **kull** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:05 pm

it will be nice having a big mother like that in the middle with quickness.

MrMustang1965 · Post by **MrMustang1965** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:46 pm

Another example of first-class reporting by the pf.com staff! Nice job, guys! Keep up the great work!

GeorgiaMustang · Post by **GeorgiaMustang** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 8:27 am

I'm impressed with Zac Thomas' dedication to doing what he's supposed to do. Many others would have only done things part way if left on their own without teammates and coaches to encourage and push them. He sounds like he has the potential to be a force on the interior.

SMUFan · Post by **SMUFan** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 8:55 am

MrMustang1965 wrote:Another example of first-class reporting by the pf.com staff! Nice job, guys! Keep up the great work!

Ditto. Terrific stuff.

Honestly, I didn't realize that Zac was only a sophomore (athletically) this year. He has three full seasons and two summers left, and it should be interesting to see just how big and strong he can get. Sounds like when we're talking about the defensive tackles rotation of Serge Elizee, Patrick Handy, Chris Parham, even Evan Huahulu, this guy clearly needs to be part of the discussion.

RGV Pony · Post by **RGV Pony** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 10:12 am

with that list, it looks like we'd be rotating 5 guys through three positions. That's more depth than I thought, though I've never seen Thomas nor Huahulu play.

How big is Dollens now?

oh, and while I appreciate this fine article, Pony Pride, I don't appreciate the theme from Disney's 'Aladdin' being stuck in my head every time I read the sticky

Post by **PonyPride** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:22 pm

RGV Pony wrote:with that list, it looks like we'd be rotating 5 guys through three positions. That's more depth than I thought, though I've never seen Thomas nor Huahulu play.

How big is Dollens now?

oh, and while I appreciate this fine article, Pony Pride, I don't appreciate the theme from Disney's 'Aladdin' being stuck in my head every time I read the sticky

Ha - hadn't thought of that. Don't know the song, either, and I'm starting to think I'm glad I don't.

Dollens got some time with the second-team defensive line this morning, and looks like he's fully recovered from the shoulder injury that limited him mostly to bystander status in the spring.

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 3:17 pm

along these same lines, I had commented last week that with the emergence of Thompson, Dizer, Yenga and Jourdan Johnson maybe Sowe's track speed could best be used at a blitz LB position. However, I was told that Sowe is significantly bigger than his roster weight of 215 and may now be in the mid 240s. It sure would be a feather in the cap of the first SMU website to get us an updated roster with accurate heights and weights. Hint. Hint. Maybe and interview with Viloria on the biggest gainers or maybe one of you guys could sneak down to the locker room where they generally daily track this info. Hint Hint.

Casey · Post by **Casey** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 3:47 pm

Great story. I've been intrigued by Zac Thomas since he signed, with all the talk about his weight room prowess. Here's hoping it translates to make him a monster on the field.

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 6:51 pm

another guy who really needed to bulk up is Patrick Handy who is listed at 6-2,250. What's he weigh these days.

ALEX LIFESON · Post by **ALEX LIFESON** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 6:57 pm

Thats probably about right, and I don't know if he could hold much more weight, and not lose his quickness. 6'2 is stretching it a bit.