Thames discusses Air Force

Defensive lineman Jared Thames is the latest verbal commitment for the Air Force Falcons. The 6-foot, 265-pound nose tackle from Glen Rose High School near the Dallas- Fort Worth metroplex said when it came to the decision it was all about the "academics".

"Once you're finished with school," said Jared Thames, "you're set for life. Academically, it's one of the best places to go in the country. I was talking to Coach Rudzinski about the military service and it doesn't sound bad at all. You give them five years but you don't have any student loans and a job waiting for you after college.

Thames, a three year starter at Glen Rose, received the Air Force offer in late May of this year. As a junior, he was named the top lineman in his district (Texas 7/3A Division II) and was also an academic all-district selection. This season he's picked up right where he left off with 64 tackles, five sacks, 16 quarterback hurries and two rushing touchdowns on offense.

"We're nine and one and ranked thirteenth in the state," Thames said. "I've improved on my pass rush and using my hands a lot from last season. We start the playoffs this week with Brownwood at Memorial Stadium. I think we have a shot at making a long playoff run. I really do."

In June, Thames made his first visit to Colorado Springs. He said he may not make an official visit due to distance and time constraints, but has kept a close watch on the Falcons season.

"I watched the Navy game that went to overtime," he said. "That one they had a lot of turnovers. I like the way they played in the Michigan game. They really hung in there with them.

"When [Air Force] first started recruiting me they said they liked how quickly I went gap to gap. They liked how quick I am for my size. I'll likely play nose tackle or somewhere on the inside of the defensive line. Coach Rudzinski and I have a great relationship. I talk to him a couple of times a week. I can't wait to get up there next summer."

At this time, Thames isn't sure if he will go directly in the Academy or to the Prep School as he waits to see what his SAT and GPA equation will be. He plans on doing competitive weightlifting after the season. Last year, he was the state 3A champion power-lifter in the 275-pound division, bench pressing 470 pounds, squatting 630, and dead lifting 600.