Austin Peay State University Athletics

College: Will likely move into starting spot in 2010 after playing behind Kit Hartsfield at strongside linebacker... owns great speed at position...credited with 23 tackles on season...considered elite special-teams performer... blocked a team-best three kicks...his seven career blocked kicks is the most ever by an Austin Peay special-teamer... blocked punt on Youngstown State's opening drive, which was recovered by Adrian Mines for a touchdown to give APSU a 7-0 lead... blocked punt in second quarter against Jacksonville State, which was recovered by Jeremy Ross for a touchdown to put APSU ahead 10-7... blocked punt in third quarter at UT Martin which led to an APSU touchdown... had a season-best six tackles, including one for loss, at Illinois State... made a stop in 10 out of 11 games... coming off his third season as a reserve in the linebacker corps... spent 2009 as No. 2 on the depth chart... with Hartsfield hurt in 2008, Thomas gained four starting assignments...his 38 tackles ranked eighth best on team...also had three tackles for loss, totaling four yards...had three games with five or more tackles, including a 10-tackle performance against Gardner-Webb...collected five tackles and forced a fumble at Georgia Southern...again was integral part of APSU special teams...credited with two blocked kicks in 2008 and returned another for a touchdown... returned a blocked punt for 17-yard touchdown at Eastern Illinois...blocked consecutive punts against Southeast Missouri in season finale...as freshman in 2007, played in 11 games at linebacker...took advantage of opportunities in the defense late in season when linebacker corps was depleted by injury...had breakout game in Govs win at Southeast Missouri...started in place of injured Hartsfield at linebacker... led the Govs with 10 tackles, including eight solo stops...finished season with 24 total tackles and 14 initial hits... began fashioning his special teams skills as a freshman... used good speed to block two punts on the year... the first came against Bethel College in the season-opener, which was returned for a TD...second block came at Samford..High School: Linebacker for Shane Queen at North Cobb High School...named to All-Cobb County as senior...earned Iron Man Award...credited with 108 tackles as senior...Personal: Business management major...son of Kim Thomas...born Oct. 15, 1987...age 21....will turn 22 Thursday after Southeast Missouri game.