Overview

One of the more intriguing guard prospects in the 2008 draft, Thomas' stock skyrocketed this season as he finally turned his athletic potential into on-the-field production. A rare athlete for the position, Thomas is well built and flashes explosiveness and nastiness in his blocking. Thomas' star is on the rise after impressive performances at the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Game.

Lettered three times in football, playing both as a defensive lineman and a tight end...Recorded six sacks his junior year...A versatile athlete who earned a total of 10 varsity letters, including three as a center in basketball and four more as a pitcher and first baseman in baseball...An All-Division baseball player and was also named the SEC's Player of the Week once as a senior in basketball...Member of the National Honor Society.

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Analysis

Positives: Well-built athlete. ... Muscular build rarely seen on an offensive lineman. ... Explosive at the point of contact and can stun defenders with his initial jolt. ... Good initial quickness and can get out and block at the second level. ... Ascending prospect who stepped up his level of play as a senior.

Negatives: Well-built upper body, but lacks lower body strength at this time. ... Lacks the leg drive to generate consistent movement as a drive blocker and has only marginal anchor in pass protection. ... Only developed into a standout as a senior, so there are questions about his motivation once he gets an NFL paycheck. ... Has some off-field issues scouts will need to investigate.

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.

Q & A

Growing up, who was your favorite NFL player and why?

My favorite player was Bruce Smith because he was a tough, determined player who was very hard-nosed. He was a great off the field person too.

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

Lamar Myles hit me the hardest and the next year he was the recipient of my hardest hit.

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

Jamie Foxx Show.

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?

Freeway - Free; Deam -"Fallsetto," Jadakiss "By Your Side," Lil' Wayn "Pop Bottles," Sheek - "Essence." The song that I hope nobody ever finds about is Soulja Boy "Soulja."

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

Jamie Foxx would play me because I have two sides to me. A funny side and a serious side to me. He would encompass all of that.

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

My teammates don't know that I went to Egypt.

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

I would like to be on MTV Real World because then everyone would really get a chance to know me on a daily basis.

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

My proudest moment in football was when I played in my first college game on special teams. My proudest off the field moment would be becoming an Eagle Scout.

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

I use what team is "hot" at the time or who best matches up with whoever is playing against me.

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

My biggest influence on my career were walk-ons who played and did not play. Being a walk-on myself, I know the struggles that one must endure.