FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas senior forward Charles Thomas is back to his high school playing weight of 225 pounds.

“He’s playing like he lost a lot of weight,” Razorbacks senior forward Sonny Weems said. “He’s a whole lot faster up and down the court, and he’s more explosive to the basket.

“ He wasn’t bad last year, but he wasn’t playing like he’s playing now.”

Thomas, 6-8, bulked up to 245 pounds as a freshman, but has gradually taken off the weight.

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At the request of Stan Heath, Arkansas’ coach the previous five years, Thomas trimmed down to 235 pounds last season. Then John Pelphrey was hired last April to replace Heath, and with a style that stresses running and pressing, Pelphrey wanted Thomas to play at 225 this season.

That was doubly tough for Thomas, who in the off-season went back up to 245 pounds, but he credited assistant strength and conditioning coach Kelly Lambert for helping him make it.

Thomas said he cut out all fried foods and now eats six smaller meals per day under Lambert’s direction.

“At first, it was frustrating, but Coach Lambert stuck with me,” Thomas said. “Now I’m in the best shape of my life.”

While Thomas has been tempted to eat fried chicken, one of his favorite foods, he said he hasn’t wavered.

“After our last game, I’m probably going straight to Popeye’s,” Thomas said with a laugh. “But not during the season.”

Thomas, who had eight points and six rebounds in 27 minutes in the Razorbacks ’ season-opening 67-45 victory against Wofford, said he’s improved his vertical jump from 30 to 34 inches this year and can tell he’s has better stamina and is quicker and faster, whether taking a defender off the dribble, moving into position to take a charge, blocking out for a rebound or finishing a break.

“The way Coach Pelphrey runs us, I couldn’t be 245 or even 235, because I’d never make it,” Thomas said. “This is what he wants, so this is the way it’s got to be.”

Thomas is the Razorbacks ’ starting power forward but has the skills to play small forward, and now the body for it, too, if the team needs him there.

Maintaining his weight after losing 20 pounds since last spring hasn’t been a major problem.

“With all the running we’re doing in practice, it’s tough to put on weight,” Thomas said. “That’s helping me keep it off.”

Avoiding late-night snacks also helps.

“I’ve had a lot of eatless nights,” Thomas said. “And if I get the urge to eat, a little cereal is always good.”

Thomas came into this season with 68 starts in 95 games for the Razorbacks and threeyear averages of 8. 8 points and 4. 6 rebounds, but Pelphrey believes Thomas can take his game to a new level.

“I think he’s got a chance to be an all-league player the way he’s playing right now,” Pelphrey said. “He’s in phenomenal shape, his attitude has been tremendous, he’s been a good teammate.

“ I’ve really enjoyed coaching him.... He’s by no means perfect. But if I could have him for another four years, there would be no hesitation on my part.”

Thomas said it’s flattering to hear Pelphrey describe him as a player who could earn All-SEC honors.

“Obviously, it makes you feel good when your coach shows confidence in you like that,” Thomas said. “But at the same time, I’ve got to go out and do it, too. I have to be the player he wants me to be.”