Dave III

Position:
WR
Ht./Wt.:
5-11 / 195
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Murfreesboro, TN

2005: Originally signed with the Tigers in February 2005, but used the summer and fall to continue rehabilitating his knee...Enrolled in classes at the U of M in January and joined the squad on the field in the spring...Worked with the receiving corps during the spring and is expected to add depth at that position next fall.

Prep: Played for Coach Gary Rankin at Riverdale High...As a quarterback, led RHS to a 15-0 record and the Class 5-A state title in 2004...Was 49-of-94 for 1,126 yards and 15 touchdowns as the signal-caller in 2004...Also rushed for 1,024 yards and 14 touchdowns...Averaged 11 yards per carry...Versatile athlete who also returned 18 punts and averaged 13 yards per return...Returned two punts for touchdowns...Was an Associated Press first-team All-State selection...Has helped his squad to two state championships and an appearance in the finals all four years of his prep career...Also led his team to a No. 16 ranking nationally...Was honored as the 2004 Tennessee Mr. Football Class 5A Back of the Year...Tore an ACL in the final minutes of the state title game on Dec. 4 against Franklin...Had surgery on Dec. 27.

Personal: David Allen Thomas III is the son of Dave and Tammy Thomas...Born November 19, 1985, in Greenville, N.C....His father, Dave Jr., played strong safety at East Carolina in 1984 and 1985...His grandfather, Dave, played defensive end and tight end at ECU from 1957-59...His uncle, Greg, also played football at ECU.