University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Thomas Named Comeback Player of the Year Award Nominee
Oct 14, 2019 | Football
Redshirt sophomore one of three weekly honorees for national award.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Redshirt sophomore defensive back La'Andre Thomas is one of three weekly nominees for the 2019 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year Award that was announced Monday. Ten times throughout the season, the award committee, coordinated by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), with The Associated Press (AP) and the Fiesta Bowl Organization, selects three players from all levels of college football to honor.
At the end of the season, three of the nominees will be chosen as the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year winners and will be recognized at a special ceremony during the College Football Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. Additionally, $30,000 will be donated in the names of the nine student-athletes selected as finalists to their school's general scholarship fund, with $15,000 being awarded in the names of the three winners and $15,000 on behalf of the six named honorable mentions.
"We understand how challenging it can be for student-athletes to return from injury or illness," says Dr. Michael Stuart, co-director for Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine. "We are honored to be part of this award that recognizes qualities like motivation, determination and perseverance."
Thomas came to Memphis in 2017 and opted to move from his high school quarterback position to the defensive backfield. Even with the move, Thomas played in 12 of 13 games as a true freshman. In his sophomore season, Thomas appeared in the team's first three games before suffering a shoulder injury against Georgia State. He rehabbed and managed to make it back for the regular season finale against Houston, helping the Tigers to back-to-back West Division titles, before being forced to miss the AAC Championship and Birmingham Bowl games.
Thomas was back in the starting lineup against Ole Miss at the start of 2019. A starter in all six Memphis games so far as a redshirt sophomore, Thomas had his first career pick six in a road win at UL Monroe. His second career interception, this one helped stave off a home team comeback.
In 22 career games at Memphis, Thomas has 44 tackles, 3.5 TFL, seven pass breakups, one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions. He ranks fifth on this year's defense with 27 tackles, 12.0 TFL, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception for a touchdown.
Thomas was recognized this week with Ball State running back Caleb Huntley and Georgia State offensive lineman Drew Wilson.
Memphis returns home Saturday for its lone home game in October. AAC West Division foe Tulane will visit Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. (CT) in a game that will be televised on ESPN2. Tickets for the game, which is also Memphis' cancer awareness game, are available at www.gotigersgotix.com.
About Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit comprehensive organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert comprehensive care to everyone who needs healing. Learn more about Mayo Clinic. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network.
About CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America): CoSIDA was founded in 1957 and is a 3,000+ member national organization comprised of the sports public relations, media relations and communications/information professionals throughout all levels of collegiate athletics in the United States and Canada. The organization is the second oldest management association in intercollegiate athletics. To learn more, visit cosida.com.
At the end of the season, three of the nominees will be chosen as the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year winners and will be recognized at a special ceremony during the College Football Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. Additionally, $30,000 will be donated in the names of the nine student-athletes selected as finalists to their school's general scholarship fund, with $15,000 being awarded in the names of the three winners and $15,000 on behalf of the six named honorable mentions.
"We understand how challenging it can be for student-athletes to return from injury or illness," says Dr. Michael Stuart, co-director for Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine. "We are honored to be part of this award that recognizes qualities like motivation, determination and perseverance."
Thomas came to Memphis in 2017 and opted to move from his high school quarterback position to the defensive backfield. Even with the move, Thomas played in 12 of 13 games as a true freshman. In his sophomore season, Thomas appeared in the team's first three games before suffering a shoulder injury against Georgia State. He rehabbed and managed to make it back for the regular season finale against Houston, helping the Tigers to back-to-back West Division titles, before being forced to miss the AAC Championship and Birmingham Bowl games.
Thomas was back in the starting lineup against Ole Miss at the start of 2019. A starter in all six Memphis games so far as a redshirt sophomore, Thomas had his first career pick six in a road win at UL Monroe. His second career interception, this one helped stave off a home team comeback.
In 22 career games at Memphis, Thomas has 44 tackles, 3.5 TFL, seven pass breakups, one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions. He ranks fifth on this year's defense with 27 tackles, 12.0 TFL, one sack, one forced fumble and one interception for a touchdown.
Thomas was recognized this week with Ball State running back Caleb Huntley and Georgia State offensive lineman Drew Wilson.
Memphis returns home Saturday for its lone home game in October. AAC West Division foe Tulane will visit Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium at 6 p.m. (CT) in a game that will be televised on ESPN2. Tickets for the game, which is also Memphis' cancer awareness game, are available at www.gotigersgotix.com.
About Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit comprehensive organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert comprehensive care to everyone who needs healing. Learn more about Mayo Clinic. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network.
About CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America): CoSIDA was founded in 1957 and is a 3,000+ member national organization comprised of the sports public relations, media relations and communications/information professionals throughout all levels of collegiate athletics in the United States and Canada. The organization is the second oldest management association in intercollegiate athletics. To learn more, visit cosida.com.
Players Mentioned
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