Thomas came to Kansas State as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com and the number 35 junior college prospect in the nation. He was also a three-star prospect by Scout.com. He was rated as the No. 8 JUCO prospect in the state of Mississippi by the Sun Herald.
Thomas was voted the 2009 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and was named to the All-Big 12 First Team. Thomas gave the Wildcats their third straight Offensive Newcomer of the Year award winner and league-leading fourth overall. Brandon Banks and Deon Murphy were honored in 2008 and 2007, respectively, joining K-State’s first honoree, Michael Bishop in 1997. Thomas rushed for 1,265 yards on 247 carries, averaging 5.1 yards and 11 touchdowns.
At the close of his career, Thomas ranks second in school history in career rushing yards, single season rushing yards, number three in carries in a career, number four in rushing touchdowns, number two in single season rushing touchdowns, number six in single season all-purpose yards, number five in all-time all-purpose yards.
Thomas was taken with the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. On July 29, 2011, he signed a 4-year contract. Thomas found early success in the NFL, rushing for 107 yards in Week 2 and 95 yards with a touchdown in Week 3.
