Yardbarker: Devin Thomas

Tell Me Something Wednesday: Devin Thomas

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:15:15 -0500

Devin Thomas was drafted in the second-round in the 2008 NFL Draft and celebrated by hitting up a strip club with his family. Good stuff right? So with the draft coming up I thought it would be fun to get to know the Redskins wide out a little better. Among other things, Devin and I talked about his new website, top choices for weight room music (Lil Wayne), and his uncanny ability to "lose" his shirt in the middle of a work out. But most importantly, we talked about how he's spending time with his teammates and trying to become a better football player.

On a team that is dying for a number two receiver to step up, Thomas could very likely be the guy. Devin looks around the locker room, maybe for JC, turns back and says "the most important thing you need to do is have that QB/WR relationship. I really feel like this is something that only time spent together can create." Knowing that, Devin is trying to do everything he can to step up and fill that spot. Making his home in Ashburn this offseason Thomas decided to has participated in the team's voluntary workout program. Though he is through being a rookie on the field, that isn't the case in the weight room. Working so hard at times he can't keep down his breakfast. After some pushing he opened up to tell his side of the story."You know they got us in here doing some good stuff. One of the things we do is some circuits. That day, as a matter of fact it was the same workout we did today, and uh, shoot, it (the circuit) was like four rounds and when I got to that fourth round...I felt that Gatorade comin' and I had to go ahead and throw it up."Just as he finished telling me about losing his lunch Shawn Suisham asked, "Is it also true that you lost your shirt in that round?"

"Ya I came out without the shirt the third round. Got too hot man. I always take my shirt off...you know I'm hurtin' when I take my shirt off."

Suisham chuckles and quietly chimes in, "The guy must be hurtin' a lot."

Once that awkward exchange cleared the air we continued talking about his role on this team. The conversation moves back to the quarterback and Devin assuringly points out his admiration for QB Jason Campbell. "He goes through so much adversity and so much criticism and he keeps a smile on his face and he keeps thinking positively. I really admire the way he handles himself." Thomas also talked about having a great relationship with wide receivers coach Stan Hixon, and the importance of having respect for someone you work with on a day to day basis. Maybe this was learned in Devin's first job at Wendy's or possibly when he worked as a bouncer in college. Did Thomas ever lose his shirt in a fight?

"Naw. Actually since I knew a bunch of people from college nobody would fight. I'd just kinda talk it out and calm things down."

That must have struck a chord because just then Devin hopped up and threw on a Redskins issued sweatshirt and said "don't you wanna hear about my new website?" He proceeded to tell me that he is doing it to give fans an insight into his life. "So people can understand who I am. You know, get the inside scoop." He mainly plans on using his site to give back to the fans by reaching out to those that touch him with their story. (Like this one) Devin also has facebook and twitter.

Besides starting the site, working out with the team, and losing his shirt, Devin has been laying low, spending much of his off season with his dog Dutch, "I gotta keep him outta the rain, he hates it. Dutch is a rottweiler named after Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie Predator. The last couple months Devin has been a shining example of a productive second year player is doing to make the most of his off season opportunity. So when you see number 11 hit the field this year you can expect a man who has put in the time and is ready to help his team win.

Devin Thomas Is Humble

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:41:14 -0500

What’s that? You still kind of like Devin Thomas? Even after the team wasted its first pick in the draft only to see him catch 15 balls last season? Well, prepare to let go of that and allow the hatred to flood in. This is from his newly launched blog: I’ve always had people doubting me. [...]

2nd Year WR Devin Thomas Shows Up for Workouts

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:40:20 -0500

The Washington Post reports that WR Devin Thomas has finally showed up for workouts, a player that could have a solid impact on the Skins passing game in 2009: The former Michigan State standout’s work ethic was questioned at times last season, and his failure to show up for the start of offseason workouts last week [...]

The Posse in All of Its Caricatured Glory

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:07:15 -0500

We had a recent run on mad sweet Skins hats, and that was fun, but the well runs dry. So let's move on to something else entirely. Say, Redskins t-shirts. Gather 'round, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, for a little history lesson ? Twenty years ago, as the '80s turned to '90s, the Skins' extended dynasty [...]

Who's startable tonight?

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:50:12 -0500

Giants vs. Redskins is a classic rivalry, one of the oldest and most cherished in the NFL, and undeniably a great way to kick off the NFL season. Last year's surprise champs taking on their oldest divisional nemesis - what's not to love? Like most football fans, I've been eagerly looking forward to it all week. Too bad it's not too exciting from a fantasy football standpoint. I count four players who should be starters in most formats. Chances are, neither you nor your oppo...

First Look: Michigan State Spartans

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:44:15 -0500

There's a team up north that is ready to blow up. No, it's not Wisconsin. Nor is it Michigan. Why, it's lowly old Michigan State. I'm not sure why, but I've hopped on the MSU bandwagon this season. No wait, I do know why. John L. Smith was the worst thing to happen in East Lansing since, well, there's not much worse. He had a lot of flash, but was a bit too looney for the Spartans. Then in comes Mark D'Antonio. Former Ohio State defensive coordinator, former Michig...

Madden ‘09 Review

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:11 -0500

If you are like me, you've been playing Madden for many of the last 24 hours.? However, you may be waiting for the weekend or you are in a bad relationship or something and you don't have Madden yet and you might be wondering whether it is worth spending $65 on yet another Madden reprise. My answer?? Not really.? For the 5th or 6th year in a row EA has produced a mediocre product with increasinly poor game play. That said, unlike the last two versions, this one actually has stuff that...

Devin Thomas Signs

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:45:33 -0500

Devin Thomas signed a 4 year contract worth a total of $4.8 million today leaving Fred Davis the only unsigned Skins draft pick. The incomparable Jason La Canfora also reports that a Fred Davis signing seems easy to do by the time camp opens on Monday. Not much to say other than woohoo! -DW

Tirico Suave Final NFL Mock Draft V3.0

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:11:56 -0500

It's just about here, folks. The 2008 NFL Draft is only a few days away. The combine is over with, the pro days are history, and private workouts are winding down. As you read this, teams are making phone calls to try and move up and down the draft and Matt Millen is in a staff meeting trying to make William Clay Ford fall in love with Devin Thomas. I'm excited. I've been sitting in my windowless room all week, wearing nothing but my authentic Freeman McNeil jersey from sixth grad...

THOMAS TO WORK OUT FOR RAVENS

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:01:09 -0500

At a time when some league insiders and observers believe that no receivers will be drafted in the first round, one of the draft-eligible receivers is drawing interest from a team that picks in the top ten. A league source tells us that the Baltimore Ravens will observe a private workout next week of Michigan State wideout Devin Thomas. The session will occur in Michigan. Some think that Thomas will be taken no later than No. 11 by the Buffalo Bills.

Eagles Eyeing Wideouts with Top Pick

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:33:10 -0500

The Eagles appear to be addressing their need for a top receiver through the draft. After hosting Cal wideout DeSean Jackson last week, a source close to the Eagles confirmed that the Birds also have had meetings with receivers Devin Thomas of Michigan State and James Hardy of Indiana. All three are considered at the top of the class of receivers at the upcoming draft, and all three have very different skill sets.