FAU freshman forward DeMonte Simpson has worked hard in the weight room to shed around 35 pounds. (FAUOwlAccess Photo)
Worth the weight
FAU freshman forward DeMonte Simpson weighed around 280 pounds when he arrived on campus, but has worked at losing around 35 pounds to help him play better and not get tired in games.
Originally published on
12/22/2009
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON - FAU forward DeMonte Simpson will have more than 40 friends and members of his family making the short trip from Knoxville, Tenn. to Athens on Wednesday when the Owls play at Georgia.
A few of them may not recognize Simpson.
Since arriving at FAU weighing around 280 pounds, Simpson has made conditioning a priority and has lost around 35 pounds.
“It was tough. I had to watch what I eat and continue to run,” Simpson. “I had to give up sweet tea, but it’s for the better because I look better and I feel better.”
Simpson’s transformation has pleased FAU coach Mike Jarvis who has pushed Simpson to get the weight off and keep it off.
“For us he would have been the guy that won the ‘biggest Loser’ contest,” Jarvis said. “As he loses weight and body fat, he’ll continue to get better…In his case he could be around 250 – and a very muscular 250.”
The Owls are leaning heavily on a leaner Simpson, who has started each game and is scoring 6.5 points per game and is averaging 24.5 minutes per game
“I feel like my stamina has improved,” Simpson said. “Even after I play a lot, I feel good. I sometimes get little tired, but I feel good.”
FAU (5-5)
at Georgia (5-4)
About the Owls: This is the first game of a two-game road trip that will take the Owls to face Maryland on Sunday. …Freshman guard Ray Taylor is currently No. 5 in the nation in assists with 6.3 apg…Shavar Richardson is shooting 96.2 percent from the line, No. 3 in the NCAA.
About the Bulldogs: Georgia is coming off a 70-67 victory over Illinois. ...Trey Thompkins is the reigning SEC Player of the Week. …The Bulldogs lost to Wofford 60-57 earlier this season and defeated Sun Belt Conference member New Orleans 67-59
Projected starting lineups
FAU/ Head Coach: Mike Jarvis
- G Ray Taylor 5-6 Fr. (18.2 ppg)
- G Greg Gantt 6-2 Fr. (13.9 ppg)
- G Sanchez Hughely 6-4 Jr. (9.9 ppg)
- F Andre Mattison 6-7 Fr. (1.3 ppg)
- F DeMonte Simpson 6-9 Fr. (6.5 ppg)
Georgia / Head coach: Mark Fox
- G Ricky McPhee 6-1 Sr. (9.1 ppg)
- G Dustin Ware 5-11 So. (8.0 ppg)
- F Travis Leslie 6-4 So. (13.2 ppg)
- F Trey Thomkins 6-10 So. (15.0 ppg)
- C Albert Jackson 6-11 Sr. (3.2 ppg)