Daniel Thomas has everyone’s attention.
After erupting onto the limelight last season by rushing for 100 yards in each of his first two games, his coaches and teammates took notice.
When he carried the Wildcats to a 17-10 win over in-state rival Kansas by rushing for 185 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, the fans in purple quickly found a hero.
Last year, Thomas led the Big 12 in rushing with 1265 yards and 11 touchdowns on 247 carries. The conference gave their respect, naming him Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.
It is no surprise that this year he is a pre-season All-America pick and a Doak Walker Award Candidate. He is expected to be the Big 12′s most elite running back. Thomas is even projected as a first-round NFL draft pick, being touted as one of the best in the nation at the position.
The only downside?
Defensive coordinators have noticed him too. Thomas certainly is not an unknown anymore. Opponents know that Kansas State is going to run. The Wildcats will run often and then will probably run even more. Thomas will be the heart and soul of the Wildcat offense. Because there are relatively few surprises in what the Wildcats will try to do this year offensively, Thomas will now get to play as a “marked man.”
Naturally, he’s not worried at all.
“I can have a better season this year from working so hard in the off-season,” Thomas said. “Last year I didn’t have that.”
Thomas is also healthy this year. The impressive numbers he posted last year were racked up while he was playing through a shoulder injury. To say that Thomas finds a way to get it done under trying circumstances is a gross understatement.
The road to K-State was not an easy one for Thomas. As a kid in the small town of Hilliard, Fla., Thomas was a successful multi-dimensional quarterback. Because of his athleticism, he initially committed to the University of Florida. However, Thomas was a non-qualifier due to academic issues and was forced instead to attend Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he played quarterback.
Former Wildcat coach Ron Prince took notice and thought Thomas might be able to follow Josh Freeman at the quarterback position at some point and recruited him to Kansas State. Thomas continued to struggle academically though, and instead spent one year divided between Butler Community College and Manhattan Christian College. Finally, Thomas was eligible to play for K-State but found himself taking snaps at running back, rather than quarterback as he had originally been recruited.
It was there that Thomas put all of the adversity and tough times he faced into the way he played. Many around the program said he played “angry.” This time it was legendary coach Bill Snyder who took notice and realized the potential in Thomas to be the top running back for his team. It did not take long before his teammates also realized his ability. It was pretty difficult to miss when the yards started racking up. Opponents consistently began missing tackle after tackle because of Thomas’ powerful style, ridiculously strong lower body, and his ability to stay on his feet after contact.
“I enjoyed every moment of it, playing in the Big 12,” Thomas said. “It’swhat I was waiting for.”
The only question anyone has this year about Thomas: What can he do for an encore?
With four starters back from a solid offensive line and a little help from sophomore standout Braden Wilson, who is arguably the Big 12′s best fullback, the possibilities are endless. One thing is for sure though: Thomas is ready to run with it.
He may also be ready to catch it a little more, or even to throw it. Thomas is a jack of all trades. Last year, he completed three of four pass attempts for 50 yards. He also caught the ball 25 times for 257 yards. Because of him, the “wildcat” formation may emerge even more this year. His presence alone could also open up the passing game for Carson Coffman and a talented group of new receivers.
“We have to find a variety of ways to do it, which is ingrained in our offense,” Snyder said.
It’s true. Big things are expected from Thomas. There has not been this much excitement in Wildcat land about the backfield since standout Darren Sproles suited up in purple. Wildcat fans everywhere are hoping to ride Thomas into a season that can hopefully put the Cats back into a bowl game.
Bill Snyder says Thomas can handle whatever is thrown his way and is confident he will succeed.
“He’s as ready as he can be,” Snyder said.
