Dallas Thomas not taking anything for granted

Written by Matthew Cannata
Dallas Thomas was drafted in the third of the 2013 draft from the University of Tennessee. Many expected him to come in and challenge for a starting position on the offensive line. However, not only did he not challenge for a spot, but he barely got any playing time throughout the season, only getting four snaps throughout the year. 

Thomas knows that he gave up a huge opportunity last year and he’s going to do everything he can this year to make sure it doesn’t happen again. His goals for the 2014 season are simple: “To be a starter, for one,” he said. “And just keep working on my technique and get better and better.” 

“You’ve got to know your material, you’ve got to know what you’re doing on the field because stuff happens so fast,” Thomas said. “You’ve got to be able to just react to it and not even think about what’s happening on the field.” 

Currently, he is penciled in as the starting left guard and has been very impressive in offseason workouts. The true test will come in a few weeks though when the pads come on and the bullets start to fly a little faster. His improved play hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“He’s a lot further ahead than he was a year ago,” Philbin said earlier. “If you look at Dallas Thomas, who was able to participate only on a limited basis last offseason, he’s been one of our hardest workers throughout the offseason program.” 

If Thomas can secure a starting spot, it will go a long way in helping re-build the offensive line not only this year, but for many years to come down the road.

---