Despite an injury and time away from the team this spring, Trenton Thompson seems hungrier than ever to start the season. After meeting with the media on Thursday, the junior let the journalists know he enjoys the pressures that come with playing on the defensive line. 
 
After Thompson missed the entire spring practice due to injury, his motivation to return escalated. He talked about Coach Scott Sinclair and how he helped him in the weight room. Thompson mentioned head trainer Ron Courson and how he helped him rehab.
 
 

“I focused on the weight room more and focused on getting strong instead of just picking up weight,” Thompson said. “I stay lean and stay with coach Sinclair to get extra time in there, and I know he’s going to get me faster. And I trust him with what he does for the team. So I can be out there the first day of camp so I didn’t have to wait till the second week.”

 
 
He went into detail about how his family helped him through losing Coach Tracy Rocker and the injury. However, the time away seemed to make him want the spot even more. The media asked him what it felt like to be back, and Trent lit up when he answered.
 
 

“It feels great to be back with my teammates and be back in the front seven where I’m doing what I love doing, holding up the gap and watching my linebackers roam,” Thompson said. “I think it was helpful having the opportunity (in spring) to look at them practice and be a vocal leader instead of a physical leader. I also think I got more in shape.”

 
 
Thompson was the second leading tackler on the team last season behind Roquan Smith. He recorded three sacks in the bowl game against TCU and had 56 total stops. Thompson is a huge key for the defense, so having him back and 100 percent healthy is huge. It will be interesting to see him on the field after such a long absence.
 
 
For Trent Thompson’s full interview check out the video below:
 
 

 
 
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