UNT soon to see return of Thomas

[MeanGreen61]

Football: UNT soon to see return of Thomas

Defensive lineman almost over bout of dehydration

08:13 AM CDT on Monday, August 22, 2005

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

The North Texas football team’s defense will receive a boost in the next few days with the return of Isaac Thomas.

The redshirt freshman defensive lineman suffered a case of dehydration in the opening days of fall workouts and has missed the majority of fall practice, including the Mean Green’s first scrimmage Saturday morning.

“We hope to have Isaac back in the next day or two,” UNT coach Darrell Dickey said. “He had some fluid replacement issues. Our training staff does a wonderful job. We are going to go beyond the call of duty to make sure that our players’ health and safety is our No. 1 concern.”

Missing several workouts made it imperative for Thomas to return in the next few days to continue preparing for the Mean Green’s season opener at LSU on Sept. 3, Dickey said.

Thomas is expected to be a key contributor on UNT’s defense that lost all four of its starters along its front line after last season. Junior Chris Miller and sophomore Sky Pruitt entered fall practice atop the Mean Green’s depth chart at defensive tackle.

Thomas is expected to challenge both for playing time.

The former Mansfield Summit standout could have a chance at a homecoming of sorts if he can return for the LSU game. Thomas began his career at Lee High in Baton Rouge, La., where he was a state wrestling champion.

Lineberry to return soon

Senior offensive lineman Dylan Lineberry missed Sunday’s practice with a minor neck injury he sustained in Saturday’s scrimmage.

Lineberry’s condition was evaluated by the Mean Green’s training staff, which determined the injury is not serious. The Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference selection is expected to return to practice in the next few days.

Dickey cuts workout short

UNT coach Darrell Dickey cut the Mean Green’s Sunday practice short because he was pleased with the team’s overall effort and intensity during Saturday’s scrimmage.

UNT reviewed mistakes that were made during its first scrimmage of the fall and worked on its special teams play Sunday afternoon.

The Mean Green worked out for more than four hours on Saturday.

“Our overall football team is improving,” Dickey said. “The guys are learning what we want and expect out of each position. Most of them are adapting to it, which is encouraging.”

Players attend church

Approximately 80 UNT football players attended services at First United Methodist Church on Sunday morning.

“I would like to thank Reverend Jim Porter for allowing us to come and for the wonderful service he delivered,” Dickey said

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com