Around the 'Shoe

Definitely looks to contribute. I like his size and the fact he seems to be able to get open and catch the ball. This guy could really make a name for himself.

I just looked it up and you were pretty close -- he's currently ranked an 81 on 247, so the staff looks to have picked up a diamond in the rough as long as his spring game performance translates to actual games. Love it.

He was an Under Armour All American. He had a scholarship from Oregon
GOOGLE HIM.

I can't remember if Meyer used those exact words but when he was asked about Thomas in the post-game presser on Saturday he said something to that effect.

Edit: Sp.

I started a post about the WR's for this matter. Thomas was great and that started my concern. Why is a true freshman showing up these other guys and he is. I know its a new offense but just the expierence alone that the others have should make them better its not like they are not talented. I think thamas will be great for us and I hope he pushes others to step up even though he really shouldn't have to.

Folks..he is not a TRUE Freshman..he went to Fork Union last year..in my books that is basically the same as a red shirt freshman.

Exactly ten years ago there was another true Freshman who came in and worked his way up the depth chart with ferocity and determination. I see the same with Thomas.

He stays in the workout room, studying film and doing all he can to improve. He's not content being a backup or merely in the 2-deep. He wants to start and it's apparent just as it was with Mo Clarett who worked his way past the more experienced Lydell Ross and Maurice Hall.
Thomas will seek to do the same against Smith, TY Williams and Reid heading into the Summer and Fall.

I like how you think.

The lack of physicality by our receivers has LONG been one of my concerns.

Not since the days of Michael Jenkins have we had a physical wideout. Not to mention the fact that he was our last 1,000-yard receiver and that's been over eight years now.
But since him, only Gonzalez and Holmes have come closest as tough, go for the ball, YAC, clutch types.

Robiskie and Hartline were too slight and not the types that'd fight for the ball against a physical DB (watch the 2008 BCS title game vs LSU to see what I mean). Same with Sanz and from what I can observe the current crop of wideouts as well.

Part of the reason there's so much hope and anticipation with Thomas is because he showed some moxie last week plus he's the nephew of Keyshawn Johnson. Our receivers over the past six years for the most part have been under 200 lb possession receivers.
The days of David Boston, Jenkins, Terry Glenn, Dee Miller, and others seem like several generations ago.

I watch film of other WRs we recruited or underrecruited such as B.J. Cunningham and Michael Floyd and say, "Wow. That's the type of receiver we need. I wish we had that type here."

It's been so long since I can recall a receiver here jawing with a rival DB after making a play. Posey came the closest. He had the moxie but didn't play in an open enough offense here during his four years.

Bottom line: we need to recruit quality wideouts from the south. Raid the JUCO ranks else in order to get the type of receivers who're familiar with playing a more physical style against physical DBs. No softies wanted or needed any longer!