By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — A season ago, Zac Thomas impressed mainly with his legs, but also with his right arm.
As a sophomore last season, he rushed 95 times for 379 yards and five touchdowns. He completed 35 of his 47 passes for 476 yards and four scores. He threw just one interception in time he split with former Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Blake Bailey.
Now, it’s his time in a new offense that fits his style.
“I think he’s the perfect combination for what we need,” said first-year head coach Josh Floyd.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Thomas said he’s been studying the new playbook every night.
“All the coaches are relying on me to run the plays and teach everybody else,” he said.
Floyd has noticed. He coached quarterbacks at Shiloh (Ark.) Christian that threw for more than 4,000 yards in a season. He coached others who rushed for more than 1,000 in a season. Floyd said Thomas “really” fits the fast-paced, no-huddle offense he runs.
“He fits the offense very well,” Floyd said.
When Thomas is on the run, he throws the ball well. When a play breaks down, he’s a threat to make a big play with his legs.
“He kind of makes stuff easier for me because they’re looking for him to run,” said junior running back Jarrion Street.
Floyd said Thomas is a smart quarterback, one who puts in the work and cares about the game. He said he’s proud of the way Thomas has figured out the offense and is leading the team.
“I think he’s got a chance to be a really special player,” Floyd said.
In the huddle, teammates are already confident in Thomas. Picking up the new offense so quickly helps.
“I think these kids are going to follow him and get more and more confidence in him once he has a chance to get out there on Friday night and produce,” Floyd said.
Thomas’ goal this season is simple.
“I just want to go deep in the playoffs and build good team unity so next year we’ll be even better than this year,” Thomas said.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.