Deacon Update: Zach Thompson

Defensive end Zach Thompson joined the Deacs in 2009 with twin brother and quarterback Patrick Thompson, choosing Wake Forest over other North Carolina and in-state options. The Ashburn, Va. native weighed in on living and practicing with his brother and how he sees the team shaping up next season.

"My brother definitely played a role in my decision," said the 6-5, 255-pound athlete.

Thompson was also considering Virginia (where father Mickey Thompson played) as well as N.C. State among other offers, though it was well-known throughout his recruitment that he and brother Patrick were hoping to stick through the process as a team.

"We wanted to go to the same school and were looking at a lot of the same ones," he said. "When I got my offer we came down here and visited at the same time, and we both liked it."

Being at Wake was an ideal continuation of the twins' previous on-field experience.

"We've been playing together ever since we started playing sports in high school," Thompson said of Stone Bridge High School. "I was a tight end, and he was a quarterback, so we had a connection there."

Thompson discussed other factors that drew him to Wake Forest.

"I really like it here because the coaches are personable, and I like the small school," he said. "Pretty much all the things I like about it here now are all the things that made me sure it was the right choice.

"The two coaches that had the biggest impact on my recruitment were Coach Lambert and Coach Billings. Those two guys are pretty much the reason I chose Wake," though both coaches have left in the past year to Charlotte and Memphis, respectively.

Thompson discussed the incoming class and how the Deacs have developed as a team.

"I looked at the list," he said, "and I've seen some of their high school highlights. "I've met a couple of them. We're pretty excited about the guys."

In regards to next season he said, "I think the D-line is going to be pretty experienced. I think the defense has grown a lot, and that next year we'll just be ready. We lose a lot of guys on O-line, but just going up against our guys they're going to be ready to go."

As for his victory predictions on this Super Bowl Sunday he said, "The Patriots. I think the tight ends are pretty good, and I think if both of them get to play they'll win; they've been a really good combo."

Zach Thompson Profile