Zach Thompson Commits to Wake Forest

By Paul Tenorio

Friday, April 25, 2008

Stone Bridge junior defensive tackle Zach Thompson became the fourth Stone Bridge player headed to an ACC school when he gave his oral commitment to Wake Forest on Wednesday.

Thompson, a 6-foot, 5-inch defensive tackle who was a vital member of the Bulldogs’ dominant defense, was one of the most sought after recruits in Virginia and is listed in the ESPN 150 recruit “watch list,” -- a ranking of the top prospects in the nation.

"I’m real excited,” Thompson said. “I’m focused right now on this next season, but I also want to get prepared for college, too. [Committing is ] definitely motivation for lifting and speed training and stuff like that.”

Thompson received offers from seven schools -- West Virginia, Virginia, N.C. State, Maryland, Syracuse, Boston College and Wake Forest-- but chose the Deamon Deacons after his second visit to the school’s campus earlier this month. Thompson said he had the school among his favorites, but after watching practice and the coaches’ interaction with players, he knew Wake Forest was where he wanted to be.

“I was definitely thinking about it before I went on the second visit and when I was down there,” Thompson said. “And after I left to come home, I definitely knew.”

Thompson said the prospect of joining teammate Mike Olson, who committed to Wake Forest on April 9, and former Stone Bridge star Devon Brown, who will be a redshirt freshman next season, helped his decision.

“[When] Olson committed, he is one of my really good friends and that was already one of my leading schools so it was definitely a big factor,” Thompson said. “I called Devon Brown on Tuesday night before I committed on Wednesday and asked him a couple questions and he really helped me out.”

Thompson and Olson join two other Stone Bridge juniors in committing to play at ACC schools in 2009: Offensive lineman David Wang will play for Virginia Tech and defensive end Brian Slay is headed to N.C. State.

“I’m excited about that,” said Stone Bridge Coach and Zach’s father Mickey Thompson. “And I’m hoping for more and I think there’s more to come. Any time you can help a kid get to the next level it’s something special.”

Mickey Thompson also expressed his excitement in seeing one of his sons reach the next level.

“It’s excitement and relief and I’m really excited for Zach and I think he deserves it,” Mickey Thompson said. “He’s done all the right things and our whole family is excited about it. You still have a little anxiety cause you have one [son] to go, but it’s a dream come true for us and for Zach.”

Zach’s twin brother, quarterback Patrick Thompson, received an offer from William and Mary and Mickey Thompson said Patrick will attend camps this summer and has generataed interest from Richmond, James Madison, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. Junior running back Daniel Allen is another Bulldogs junior expected to sign with a Division I program.

Tagged: Loudoun, Stone Bridge High School

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