With the Mountaineers season just 30 days away, we will begin to breakdown the days remaining through looking at former players. Today’s retro Mountaineer is #30 J.T. Thomas. The Fort Lauderdale product attended WVU from 2006-2010. Thomas, a three year starter at West Virginia that was known for his toughness. Whether it was in the run game, or his ability in coverage, Thomas was the ultimate blue-collar player in Morgantown.
Thomas 2006-2007
J.T. Thomas came to WVU from Blanche Ely High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Thomas would help his high school reach the semifinals his senior season before stepping foot on campus. His freshman season at WVU was hindered by a lingering ankle injury, in which he was awarded an medical redshirt. Thomas was awarded the 2006 Danny Van Etten Award for the team best scout team player. In 2007, Thomas began his playing career full time at WVU. Thomas would see action in 10 games in his sophomore season in 2007, totaling 19 tackles, with 13 being solo.
Thomas 2008-2009
In 2008, Thomas would begin the season as the starter for West Virginia at linebacker. Thomas started all 13 games in 2008, and would finish fourth on the team in 65 total tackles. This would include three sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and blocked punt. Where Thomas made his name his second season, was leading the team with 10 tackles for loss for the Mountaineers. In 2009, Thomas was start making a name for himself with an even bigger season. Thomas would again start all 13 games for the Mountaineer defense in 2009. Thomas would garner All-Big East first team selection. The linebacker would accumulate 76 tackles, two interceptions, and fumble recovery. Thomas would also garner his second consecutive Iron Mountaineer Award for his hard-work on and off the field.
Thomas 2010
In 2010, Thomas was one of the most well-known Mountaineers. In his senior season, the linebacker would continue his great work. Thomas would collect 73 tackles on the season, while adding 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The senior linebacker would again be named to the All-Big East first team in his last season as a Mountaineer. The most impressive part of Thomas’ game was certainly how quick he was able to master the complicated 3-3-5 stack defense. This defense is not one that was being ran everywhere, but was a Old Gold and Blue staple for many seasons. Thomas was able to use his high football IQ to master the defense, and become a regular in the starting lineup.
Thomas Drafted
The Chicago Bears would go on to select Thomas in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Thomas would spend 7 seasons in the league with the Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Giants. The 2014 season certainly was his best, where he compiled 84 tackles, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.
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