Juanyeh

Thomas

Originally recruited as a cornerback, Thomas (6’1/213) faced a learning curve in his first season, but he went on to start all but one contest over his final three campaigns, registering 81 tackles, five TFLs, seven PBUs, two forced fumbles, and a 100-yard interception return for a 2-point conversion “touchdown.” He tested well in the pre-draft evaluation process, running a 4.55 40 with an excellent 1.55 10-yard split. Thomas is a big safety who is at his best when flying downhill to lay hits in run support and ranging to the sideline to knock down passes, but he is frequently found in a chasing position when asked to cover receivers downfield. Although he struggles at times in man coverage, Thomas has the frame, desire, and athleticism to thrive on special teams while getting coached up.

Thomas (6'3"/216) had 76 total tackles on the year, with five tackles for loss and an interception along with five passes defensed. He was ranked 14th on the November 13th edition of Walter Football’s safety rankings for the upcoming draft, and has previously been ranked as high as sixth.

Thomas (6'3/216) made his mark as a freshman as a kick returner with two touchdowns returned on special teams, but as a sophomore, he showed off his defensive chops. He intercepted one pass, and he finished with 60 tackles; 2.5 of those for a loss. “He earned a run-defense grade of 77.1 and coverage grade of 80.8, leading the way to a PFF overall grade that tied for 37th of 358 qualifying safeties,” Treash writes. Thomas should be even better in 2020, but this version is pretty good, too.

Thomas appeared to be dealing with a lower body injury after being tackled near the 10 yard line on the kick return. The freshman has acted as the punt and kick returner for the Yellow Jackets, and should be considered questionable to return until we hear more information.