PHOTO Donny Thompson from Big Brother 16 before the beard

As soon as CBS announced the cast for Big Brother 16, premiering tonight, fans of the show immediately starting calling North Carolina school groundskeeper Donny Thompson “that guy who looks like he’s from Duck Dynasty.”

Beard and all, Donny’s pre-show interviews are a hoot and he’s already getting solid support from hamster watchers nationwide. While most of the other cast members, like Ariana Grande’s brother and the already controversial Caleb Reynolds had all kinds of online info out there, you can tell that ol’ Donny stays pretty much off the grid.

His hometown newspaper, The Snap, did a piece about him in which his nephew Nathan Almond said the 42-year-old has been a fan of the show for years (Donny has stated he’s watched every season). He added, “He’s pretty bright. I think he’ll do pretty good on there. If he can make some friends, I think he will last.”

One of his coworkers has already been pushing for his friends to vote for Donny as the Team America player and in doing so gave one of the best quotes about reality TV casting I’ve ever read, “Just found out the guy I work with every day that just went missing is on Big Brother!!!”

Donny Thompson Big Brother 16 before the beard

Here’s Donny’s bio info and video interview. It’s safe to say he’s my way-too-early favorite!

Age: 42
Hometown: Albemarle, NC
Occupation: School Groundskeeper
Three adjectives that describe you: Honest, funny and witty.
Favorite Activities: I love to work, eat and watch TV.
What do you think will be the most difficult part about living inside the Big Brother house: I’ve lived alone for over 21 years so living with a large group of people would be a huge adjustment.
Do you have a strategy for winning Big Brother?: Lay low in the beginning, befriend all, constantly observe others and make wise decisions on who I align with.
Which past Big Brother cast member did you like most: I liked Spencer because he was nominated so many times without going home. He was a likable person that I could relate to.
What are you afraid of:  Heights, mice, and public speaking.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of: I paid cash for my house.
Finish this sentence: My life’s motto is… Leave everyone with a smile on their face.
What would you take into the house and why: My favorite pair of overalls, my favorite hat and chewing tobacco.
What would you do if Big Brother made you famous: I would try to be the same person I have always been. Only, more people would know me.

Donny is a small town guy whose claim to fame is that he was the janitor at Kelly Pickler’s high school. He’s never been on a plane. He may look like a hunter, but he hates killing animals.