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MARSHALL SPORTS
RB Thomas more than sold on Herd
HUNTINGTON -- Demetrius Thomas hardly was lacking reasons for his verbal commitment to Marshall University football.
First, there was the family atmosphere he embraced following last week’s official visit.
Thomas, along with virtually every prospective 2008 signee, is emphatic in his drive to return the Thundering Herd to championship form.
Academically, Marshall is a fine fit for the future business and management major.
Serving as quite a capper, there’s the spectacle of five former Marshall players -- including one at his position -- participating Sunday in Super Bowl XLII.
Despite a twisting recruiting road, it resulted in an easy decision for the talented running back from Theodore High School (Ala.). Thomas, a two-time 1,000-yard tailback, chose Marshall over Auburn, Alabama and Iowa State.
His verbal commitment came just two days after touring campus.
“I loved the community,” Thomas said. “They brought me in and I felt like part of a family. It made me forget about home and made me feel like I had a second home.
“The community was a big part of my choice, along with the history of the program. I loved the coaching staff and loved the players’ enthusiasm. I loved the intensity of the coaches as far as winning goes.”
Thomas initially committed to play closer to home at Southern Miss, but reopened his recruiting process after veteran head coach Jeff Bower resigned. Marshall quickly called and Thomas similarly was interested in Southern Miss’ Conference USA rival.
“The first thing the coaches at Marshall told me was that they only wanted to recruit the best, and they considered me the best,” Thomas said. “Everyone coming in is the best and I want the best for the school.
“I hope I bring a lot to the program.”
After rushing for 1,200 yards as a junior, Thomas stockpiled more than 2,000 total yards last season. He rushed for 1,783 yards and 18 touchdowns, added 265 receiving yards and five scores and totaled 860 yards and four TDs on returns. He played numerous positions in high school, but was recruited as a running back to Marshall.
Still, Thomas is open to options.
“The coaches told me I’d be a running back, but being the person I am, I’ll play wherever I can help the team and get back to winning again,” Thomas said.
If Thomas required a final selling point, it was delivered during last weekend’s NFL conference championship games. Five former Marshall players, including New York Giants tailback Ahmad Bradshaw, earned trips to Sunday’s Super Bowl.
“That was also a big part,” Thomas said. “That shows you what kind of players they have and what kind of an elite program they have.
“It’s also a good school academically and it can help me get to the next level, which is professional (football).”
