2008: Threw for 785 yards in his first season with the Red and White, which ranked second on the team … Completed 44.5-percent of his passes with six TDs … Posted a career-high performance at Delta State on Oct. 11 with 231 yards two scores and two INTs … Converted on 54-precent of his pass attempts vs. the Statesmen … Threw for 107 yards in his first start with two scores and three interceptions in a 17-14, OT win vs. Southern Arkansas on Sept. 18 … Tallied five consecutive contests with over 100 yards through the air … Named to 2008 All-Gulf South Conference Honor Roll.

Prep: Prepped at Oxford High School for Josh Niblett … Lettered four seasons at OHS with one year as captain … Helped the Yellow Jackets to Region VII titles in 2005 and 2007 … 23-9 record as a starter at Oxford … Named to the TV 24 All-Star Team, First Team All-County, Anniston Star Offensive Player of the Year, Northeast Alabama dandy Dozen All-Star Team in 2007 … Holds the OHS school record in passing yards (5,012), yards in a season (1,989), total yards in a career (6,100) and total touchdowns in a career (51) … Was named Second Team All-County in 2004 and 2005.

Personal: Derek Fowler Thomas … Born on Oct. 19, 1989 … Son of Jamie and Tim Thomas … Was a member of HOSA, GANCEL, National Honor Society and FBLA … Lettered in baseball.