Spring Football Q&A with Ville Platte’s Tralon Thomas

The Ville Platte High Bulldogs began spring practice this past week and are gearing up for a new season. We caught up with senior offensive tackle and linebacker Tralon Thomas to get his thoughts on spring training and what is needed for a successful year next season.
Question: How does it feel to get back into the football world after months away from the game?
Answer: I am really excited. It will be good to see the younger players perform and see what they can bring to the table. We lost a number of key players from last year and I am hoping that the younger players can strep up and fill the void.
Q: What should the team’s goal should be this spring and what is your personal goal ?
A: We need to see how far we have progressed heading into the summer workouts. That is what spring and the spring game is all about. The spring does not define your season, it just gives you a benchmark headed into the summer. Personally, I want to set the tone for the younger guys. When I was a freshmen that is what the older guys did. So I want to do that for these younger guys.
Q: Defensively, where are the key holes to be filled?
A: I would say on the defensive line. We have our secondary and line backing corps still pretty much in tact from last season. We need more depth at the defensive line. So far it looks like the younger guys are willing to put in the work.
Q: What about the offensive side of the ball?
A: Just continuing to get better and finding ways to score touchdowns. We lost a lot of key players, but we have some players that got some playing time last year and are ready to step up and fill those shoes. I think our strong point will be the offensive line. We have a good group of returners up front.
Q: What is the plan for the team this offseason, during the summer?
A: We need to get better; not just on things we are good at, but also continue to improve on the areas that we are good at. We are going to change things up this season as far as work outs go. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays we will be in the weight room and on Wednesdays we will be on the field working on our technique. One thing I want to do personally is get in a ton of film work.
Q: What has the turnout been like this spring?
A: It has been good. We have about 40 players out for spring. There are some new faces. I just hope they are as dedicated as the returning players are.