Overview

Thomas went from a disappointing former top 20 junior college prospect to a second-team All-Big 10 receiver when given the chance this season. Prototypical West Coast offense receiver with size and speed that will move the chains by getting yards after the catch. His college situation and play-style are reminiscent of former second round Green Bay Packer pick and current Minnesota Viking receiver Robert Ferguson.

Two-year starter for Coach Tim Baechler at Canton (Mich.) High School . . . Detroit Free Press all-state (Division 1) selection in 2003 . . . earned second-team All-Metro honors from The Detroit News as a senior . . . named to The Detroit News and Detroit

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Analysis

Positives: NFL receiver build and long limbs. ... Gets his solid hands on the ball any way possible: reverses, bubble screens, returns. ... Quick in and out of breaks. ... Adjusts well to the ball in the air, usually snatching it with his hands. ... Quick acceleration after the catch, will rack up YAC. ... Runs solid routes, including slants inside -- and will hang onto the ball while taking the hit. ... Very willing blocker outside or in the slot on run plays, and he can eliminate the corner. ... Often lines up in the slot to take advantage of smaller nickel backs. ... Potential for a solid kick return option. ... Follows wedge, finds the lanes, gets to top speed quickly and does not go down on first contact.

Negatives: Only one productive year in major college football. ... Will need to prove he's a legitimate downfield threat. ... Doesn't always make the tough deep catch that the best receivers do. ... Tries to do too much at times, dancing after the catch instead of heading upfield. ... Could sustain better when blocking larger safeties and linebackers.

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Q & A

In college, what player hit you the hardest? Who was the recipient of your best hit?

No one had a chance to get a big hit on me.

What TV-show marathon will keep you on the couch all day?

Fresh Prince of Bel Air

What are the five most-played songs in your iPod? What's the one song you hope nobody ever finds out is in your iPod?

Five songs by Lil Wayne. I don't want anyone to see Purple Rain by Prince.

What celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life and why?

Jamie Foxx because he could bring out the funny things out as well as the sad.

What is one thing your teammates don't know about you?

That I can cook.

What reality TV show would you like to be on and why?

The Real World because it would be crazy having a camera around 24/7.

What's your proudest moment in football? Proudest moment off the field?

Clinching the win that allowed us to go to a bowl game; Having my son.

When you play Madden, what team do you use? Do you put yourself on the team?

The Vikings

Who has been the biggest influence on your football career and how?

My dad because he always believed in me and my abilities.