Outstanding seasons usually are the result of outstanding players and in the case of Prairie View A&M that is certainly no exception.

Panthers linebacker Zack East, a Yates graduate, recently was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year after making 127 tackles during the Panthers' most successful season in recent memory.

Prairie View finished 7-3, their best record in more than four decades.

“I really didn’t expect it to be that big of a thing, but it seems to be,” East said. “I just feel great about it."

The Panthers must be feeling pretty good about their accomplishments as well.

With East leading the way the Panther defense led the conference in scoring defense, was third in the NCAA in scoring defense, 13th in total defense and 18th in rushing defense.

“This just makes me want to work harder,” East said. “I can see from the hard work what can be accomplished.”

Asked what his most memorable moment was in the season East replied, “When we beat (Texas Southern) at Reliant because we started the season off pretty good.”

East contributes much of his success to his coaching staff and teammates.

“John Johnson and Gary Hicks made (second team) All-SWAC too,” East said. “It’s motivation to see them go after the ball just like me.” Johnson ended the season with 7.5 sacks while Hicks, a junior, totaled 61 tackles on the year.

In all five Panthers were selected to the SWAC All-Conference team - East, Johnson, Hicks, Maurice Robinson and Daylan Deal.

One might ask how you follow up a season like this and just what types of goals are in store for next season. But with East those goals are in place and he is already working on accomplishing them.

“Me personally, I just want to be more physical as an athlete and become faster,” East said. “Going into the season we are going to do the best we can to come home with the championship.”

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