OL Thomas reporting to UA on May 17

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• By Richard Davenport
• 9:34AM on May 1st, 2009

When Navarro College offensive lineman Zhamal Thomas signed with the Hogs, he was hoping to enroll at Arkansas in January and go through spring practice. But he came up short on the necessary credits to transfer.Now it appears his academic house is in order.

“I’ll be finished with class on Friday,” Thomas said. “I’ll be reporting on the 17th (of May).

Thomas, 6-4, 325, 4.9, has the ability to compete for playing time in the fall.

Arkansas assistant coach Bobby Allen was by the school on Monday checking on Thomas.

“He came by to check on my grades,” Thomas said. “He said they can’t wait to get me up there.”

In preparation for the coming season, Thomas said he’s been lifting weights and running while losing about 20 pounds by eating right since his official visit to Arkansas in December.

“The last time I was timed, I ran a 4.9 (40-yard dash),” Thomas said. “I’m right around 400- pounds in the bench (press) and over 500 for the squat. I’ll probably increase that when I get to Arkansas.”

Thomas said he’s been talking to offensive line coach Mike Summers, who plans to try him at tackle and guard in the preseason practices.

“They don’t know if they’re going to use me at guard or at tackle,” Thomas said “Whichever one I feel comfortable with is the one I’ll play.”