2006: Was expected to add depth to the receiving corps in 2006, but was sidelined at midseason with persistent knee problems...Was one of just five true freshmen to play for the Tigers in 2006...Opened the season with three receptions for 37 yards against Ole Miss...His first offensive touch in the Ole Miss meeting was actually an eight-yard touchdown pass thrown to Carlos Singleton...Took the handoff from QB Martin Hankins and reached Singleton on 3rd-and-3 from the Rebels' eight-yard line on Memphis' first offensive series...Caught a seven-yard pass from Hankins for a key first down in the second quarter...Ultimately kept the drive alive that resulted in a Tiger touchdown two plays later...Caught a three-yard pass in the fourth quarter before logging a 27-yard reception on Memphis' next drive...Made his first career start in the Chattanooga contest, but did not have a catch in that game...Also started against East Carolina, and posted two receptions for 10 yards...Attempted a two-point conversion pass against UAB...Caught an eight-yard reception in the fourth quarter against the Blazers...Logged two receptions for 61 yards versus Arkansas State...Made a 26-yard catch in Memphis' first drive against the Indians...Set a season-high with a 35-yard reception on Memphis' next series...Missed the final six games of the season with a knee injury...Had reconstructive surgery on October 31 and was unable to fully work out with the team in the spring...Finished the season with eight receptions for 116 yards...Seven of the eight catches were in drives that Memphis ultimately scored in (three TD, four FG). 2005: Originally signed with the Tigers in February 2005, but used the summer and fall to continue rehabilitating his knee...Enrolled in classes at the U of M in January and joined the squad on the field in the spring. Prep: Played for Coach Gary Rankin at Riverdale High...As a quarterback, led RHS to a 15-0 record and the Class 5-A state title in 2004...Was 49-of-94 for 1,126 yards and 15 touchdowns as the signal-caller in 2004...Also rushed for 1,024 yards and 14 touchdowns...Averaged 11 yards per carry...Versatile athlete who also returned 18 punts and averaged 13 yards per return...Returned two punts for touchdowns...Was an Associated Press first team All-State selection...Has helped his squad to two state championships and an appearance in the finals all four years of his prep career...Also led his team to a No. 16 ranking nationally...Was honored as the 2004 Tennessee Mr. Football Class 5A Back of the Year...Tore an ACL in the final minutes of the state title game against Franklin...Had surgery following that season. Personal: David Allen Thomas III is the son of Dave and Tammy Thomas...Born November 19, 1985, in Greenville, N.C....His father, Dave Jr., played strong safety at East Carolina in 1984 and 1985...His grandfather, Dave, played defensive end and tight end at ECU from 1957-59...His uncle, Greg, also played football at ECU.
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Memphis Tigers
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