Devin Thomas
Encyclopedia
Devin Thomas is an American football
wide receiver
currently playing for the New York Giants
. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins
in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft
. He played college football
at Michigan State
. Thomas has also played for the Carolina Panthers
.
for Canton High School
in Canton, Michigan. As a senior he played WR, RB and CB, for Division 1 (Class A) Canton High School
. He was named All-State after rushing and receiving for over 1,000 yards and 23 touchdowns and also had seven interceptions all in his senior year.
, where he redshirted in 2004 and played as a freshman in 2005. As a sophomore at Michigan State he had only six catches. Under head coach Mark Dantonio
, Thomas played well his junior year with 79 catches, a school record, for 1,260 yards, and eight touchdowns. Thomas decided to forgo his senior year at Michigan State and declare himself eligibile for the 2008 draft.
in the second round (34th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft
. On July 18, he agreed to a four-year 4.8 million contract that included roughly $2.7 million in guaranteed money. Thomas is represented by Drew Rosenhaus
. In 2008, Thomas won the NFL Rookie's Madden Bowl.
The Redskins utilized Thomas a good deal on special teams, mainly on kickoffs. While his playing time on offense grew from 2008 to 2009, his production was limited. In 2008, he amassed 173 yards of total offense and one touchdown (rushing). In 2009, his production marginally improved to 323 yards and three touchdowns (all receiving), with a career game December 6, 2009 against the New Orleans Saints of more than 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Through four games in 2010, under new head coach Mike Shanahan
, Thomas amassed no offensive statistics, though he continued to play on special teams.
Thomas was waived by the Redskins on October 9, 2010.
on October 11, 2010, then waived again on November 23, 2010. With the Panthers for five games, Thomas played only in their 37-13 home loss on November 21, 2010 to the Baltimore Ravens
and recorded no statistics.
. To make roster room for Thomas, the Giants placed fullback Madison Hedgecock
on injured reserve
with a hamstring injury. Thomas wore #8 in his first game as a Giant versus Jacksonville because the Giants have no more numbers available. During the team's December 5, 2010 game against the Redskins, Thomas made his first impact as a Giant. On special teams, Thomas had two tackles, including one at the Redskins' 20-yard line, and he blocked a Hunter Smith
punt in the fourth quarter, giving the Giants the ball on the Redskins 13-yard line.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
wide receiver
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
currently playing for the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Michigan State
Michigan State Spartans football
The Michigan State Spartans football program represents Michigan State University in college football as members of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level...
. Thomas has also played for the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
.
Early years
Thomas attended and played high school footballHigh school football
High school football, in North America, refers to the game of football as it is played in the United States and Canada. It ranks among the most popular interscholastic sports in both of these nations....
for Canton High School
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park
The Plymouth-Canton Educational Park encompasses three public secondary schools—Salem High School, Canton High School, and Plymouth High School—in Canton Township, Michigan, United States. PCEP is located on a campus in Wayne County...
in Canton, Michigan. As a senior he played WR, RB and CB, for Division 1 (Class A) Canton High School
Plymouth-Canton Educational Park
The Plymouth-Canton Educational Park encompasses three public secondary schools—Salem High School, Canton High School, and Plymouth High School—in Canton Township, Michigan, United States. PCEP is located on a campus in Wayne County...
. He was named All-State after rushing and receiving for over 1,000 yards and 23 touchdowns and also had seven interceptions all in his senior year.
College career
Thomas attended Coffeyville Community CollegeCoffeyville Community College
Coffeyville Community College is a community college located in Coffeyville, Kansas, United States. It was founded in 1923....
, where he redshirted in 2004 and played as a freshman in 2005. As a sophomore at Michigan State he had only six catches. Under head coach Mark Dantonio
Mark Dantonio
Mark Dantonio is the current head football coach at Michigan State University. He was hired on November 27, 2006 and became the 24th head coach at Michigan State. He is credited for winning the 2010 Big Ten Championship and his 4 game win streak over arch-rival Michigan...
, Thomas played well his junior year with 79 catches, a school record, for 1,260 yards, and eight touchdowns. Thomas decided to forgo his senior year at Michigan State and declare himself eligibile for the 2008 draft.
Washington Redskins
Thomas was drafted by the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
in the second round (34th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft
2008 NFL Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
. On July 18, he agreed to a four-year 4.8 million contract that included roughly $2.7 million in guaranteed money. Thomas is represented by Drew Rosenhaus
Drew Rosenhaus
Drew Rosenhaus is an American sports agent who represents professional football players. He owns the Miami-based sports agency, Rosenhaus Sports, and is known for using aggressive tactics on behalf of his clients who play in the National Football League.Rosenhaus currently represents approximately...
. In 2008, Thomas won the NFL Rookie's Madden Bowl.
The Redskins utilized Thomas a good deal on special teams, mainly on kickoffs. While his playing time on offense grew from 2008 to 2009, his production was limited. In 2008, he amassed 173 yards of total offense and one touchdown (rushing). In 2009, his production marginally improved to 323 yards and three touchdowns (all receiving), with a career game December 6, 2009 against the New Orleans Saints of more than 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Through four games in 2010, under new head coach Mike Shanahan
Mike Shanahan
Michael Edward "Mike" Shanahan is the 28th and current head coach of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. Shanahan also holds the title of Vice President of Football Operations with the Redskins, giving him full control over player personnel with the team. Shanahan previously...
, Thomas amassed no offensive statistics, though he continued to play on special teams.
Thomas was waived by the Redskins on October 9, 2010.
Carolina Panthers
Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Carolina PanthersCarolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
on October 11, 2010, then waived again on November 23, 2010. With the Panthers for five games, Thomas played only in their 37-13 home loss on November 21, 2010 to the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
and recorded no statistics.
New York Giants
On November 24, 2010, Thomas was claimed off waivers by the New York GiantsNew York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. To make roster room for Thomas, the Giants placed fullback Madison Hedgecock
Madison Hedgecock
Madison Smith Hedgecock is a former American football fullback. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at North Carolina....
on injured reserve
Injured reserve
The injured reserve list is a list of reserved players who are injured and unable to play for a period of time, used most prominently in the National Hockey League and National Football League . It is used because these leagues have a maximum number of players on the team roster, so placing a...
with a hamstring injury. Thomas wore #8 in his first game as a Giant versus Jacksonville because the Giants have no more numbers available. During the team's December 5, 2010 game against the Redskins, Thomas made his first impact as a Giant. On special teams, Thomas had two tackles, including one at the Redskins' 20-yard line, and he blocked a Hunter Smith
Hunter Smith
Hunter Dwight Smith is an American football punter, currently a free agent and most recently for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
punt in the fourth quarter, giving the Giants the ball on the Redskins 13-yard line.