Thomas recently signed with the Pirates for the upcoming 2021 season. As a senior at Northwestern University, Thomas started every game at center during the 2019 season. In addition, his leadership qualities led to Thomas being named offensive captain. He was also voted 2019 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention for his outstanding play and was a semi-finalist for the Campbell Trophy, an award presented annually to the nation’s top scholar-athletes. After a successful “Pro Day” held at Northwestern last spring, Thomas’ football career was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He fully expects a smooth transition to the indoor game.
In 2018 Thomas again started every game at center for Northwestern. He played a key role protecting quarterback Clayton Thorson, who threw for over 3,000 yards that season. Thomas also paved the way for running back Isaiah Bowser, who averaged over 100 yards rushing per game. The season culminated in Northwestern playing Ohio State for the Big 10 Championship, a game Thomas looks back on as a personal highlight.
In 2017 Thomas played in ten games for Northwestern, three at left tackle, demonstrating his versatility across the offensive line. His blocking opened up holes for running back, Justin Jackson, who amassed over 1,000 yards rushing for the fourth straight season.
Thomas got his first career college start in a game against Michigan State during the 2016 season, a remarkable feat for someone who didn’t play football until sophomore year in high school. In 2016 Thomas was also named to Academic All-Big Ten, a prestigious honor he would accomplish every season at Northwestern. In 2015, as a true freshman, Thomas red-shirted.
After receiving over a dozen recruiting offers as a senior at Cathedral High School (Indiana), Thomas chose Northwestern for academics as well as football. He graduated in spring of 2020 with a degree in journalism. He also got involved with a charity known as Uplifting Athletes and devoted his ‘Pro Day” to helping raise money for the “Reps for Rare Diseases” cause. Thomas is entering his age-24 season.
