Nobody's Doubting Thomas Now

“I just did my job, the offensive line and Hoyer put the ball out there, so I just did what I had to do to be part of the success of the victory, so I don’t feel like it’s all that big of a deal,” - Devin Thomas after a big game against UAB.

EAST LANSING - Devin Thomas was a distant third, if that, when it came to many prognosticators ideas of who would be the leading Spartan receivers coming into this season after the Green & White lost its top three pass catchers to graduation.

Terry Love and T.J. Williams were – for sure, some insisted – the top players returning. Juniors Carl Grimes and Deon Curry would be competing with Thomas for second string duties. Even walk-on Blair White, who had an impressive spring game, would be in the mix.

As it turns out, things weren’t so certain. Williams missed the spring game and was separated from the team until late August for disciplinary reasons. Love struggled with academics and came late to fall camp.

Thomas seized the opportunity and emerged as the number one receiver. Along with surprising freshman Mark Dell, the number one receivers for the UAB game would have come as a surprise to many only a few months ago.

For Thomas, the experience was cathartic and he’s gladly beyond the hype of the season opener. “It was good just to get it under my belt, just for that fact that, you know, it’s the first game, the first time I’ve started,” he said.

Thomas is taking his rapid rise in stride. His performance on the field, leading the team with 5 receptions for 106 yards and 1 TD to go along with 23 yards rushing on an end-around, is an indication that the wide receiver position at Michigan State is well stocked and more stable than many might have anticipated.

But Thomas is humble person who knows football is a team game and without the assistance of his teammates, especially Brian Hoyer, his success would not be possible.

“I just did my job, the offensive line and Hoyer put the ball out there, so I just did what I had to do to be part of the success of the victory, so I don’t feel like it’s all that big of a deal,” said Thomas.

One thing he can control, however, is the amount of confidence and energy he shows up with every week.

“I just gotta do my end of the part, make the catch,” Thomas said. “As long as (Hoyer) can put it out there for me I can go get it.”