College Football: Dunbar grad declares for NFL Draft

He will miss the Pac-12 Championship Game this weekend against USC and Utah’s bowl game (likely a second consecutive Rose Bowl) to rehab and prepare for the NFL Draft, including an appearance in the annual East-West Shrine Game in early February.

“Most importantly, I want to say thank you to every single person that embraced me here and gave me this opportunity that changed my life,” Thomas wrote in his announcement. “I will never forget the moments and memories I have here and I will forever be a Ute.”

Thomas was a highly-regarded recruit at Dunbar in the class of 2018. His journey to Utah included stops at the University of Cincinnati and junior college.

Thomas was forced to live in his car for a period of time before landing at Utah last year, but he had an immediate impact.

The 6-foot-2, 238-pounder ran for 1,108 yards and a school record 21 touchdowns en route to being named First Team All-Pac 12 last season.

He ran for 687 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games this season.