B-back Zach Laskey will be the principal running back for the first time after two seasons as backup to David Sims. The senior from Starr’s Mill High answered questions about his history and the season ahead.
Q: What’s the fastest you’ve ever run?
A: I feel like maybe the Sun Bowl against USC. We ran, I think it was a "7 give," and I think I got, it was either a 45-, 50-yard run or something like that. (Actually, 39) I felt like I was moving pretty good that day. But I feel like, even in the spring game (this year) when I was able to get out there, I felt pretty fast. My legs feel fresh and more explosive.
Q: What’s the biggest hit you’ve taken?
A: I guess we played Miami my sophomore year, we ran a play called "8" where I'm supposed to go get the cornerback. And the way Miami played us that year was, instead of them letting us cut (block) them, they would come and cut us, and me and the guy kind of both tried to cut each other. I remember that kind of hurt my shoulder a little bit. … We went shoulder to shoulder, but we both just launched into each other.
Q: What’s something that you didn’t expect about college when you came here as a freshman?
A: When I first got here, I was kind of shy. I didn't know how I'd adjust to all these guys coming from all over the country and how that would work out. But, as these four years have gone on, these guys are some of my best friends. I look at them as my brothers. I wasn't sure if I was going to stay to myself and just do that, but that's kind of surprised me a little bit.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from the summer?
A: My brother's wedding. He got married to his fiancee, Laura, and my whole family was there. It was just a good time. It was up in the North Georgia mountains in Dahlonega. We just had a nice little weekend.
Q: Did you do some dancing?
A: Did some dancing. Did "Shout," threw my hands up, all that. It was fun.
Q: Name a breakout player.
A: I think Justin Thomas can be a breakout player. I know a lot of people think that, but he showed the potential last year, and I think with more confidence as a starter that he'll be able to make bigger plays. And if he makes a mistake, he won't have to worry about it so much. He knows he doesn't have to play perfectly.
Q: What kind of player can he be?
A: Just the type of guy who, when we need some big 20-plus-yard play, and we need something to get the offense jump-started, he can do that and jump-start the offense.
Q: In the offense, Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen received nearly all of the carries at B-back, but then you and David Sims and Preston Lyons have shared the position more. Do you want to be a workhorse back?
A: Absolutely. I want to be the guy that, when the game's on the line, I want to be in there, and I want to be able to handle the load. I know I can do it. I worked hard this offseason. That's what kind of motivated me to just get out there and kind of maximize my potential, so I can be that guy for this team.
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