OSU8085
04-02-2009, 12:49 AM
Precocious, productive Thomas ranks as Big 12's No. 32 player - Big 12 - ESPN (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-8-163/Precocious--productive-Thomas-ranks-as-Big-12-s-No--32-player.html)
Why he was picked: Thomas emerged as a key contributor, starting all 13 games in his freshman season as he earned Freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News and College Football News. Not only was he a run-stopper (second on the team with 63 tackles) but he was also productive in pass defense, where he recorded 17 pass deflections to break Texas' freshman record in that category. And on a unit that struggled to make big plays, Thomas produced two interceptions, three tackles for losses, forced four fumbles and blocked a punt.
Why he was picked: Thomas emerged as a key contributor, starting all 13 games in his freshman season as he earned Freshman All-America honors from The Sporting News and College Football News. Not only was he a run-stopper (second on the team with 63 tackles) but he was also productive in pass defense, where he recorded 17 pass deflections to break Texas' freshman record in that category. And on a unit that struggled to make big plays, Thomas produced two interceptions, three tackles for losses, forced four fumbles and blocked a punt.