Sophomore cornerback Ollie Thomas can thank a pair of oversized sneakers for leading him to Towson.
The former Potomac High School star from Montgomery County had a junior day at James Madison, but he did not impress the coaches there with a slow performance he blamed on a run in his socks while sprinting on turf wearing basketball shoes.
“I didn’t do too good,” Thomas said.
Thomas ran the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds, a time considered slow for a linebacker at the Division I level, let alone a defensive back.
This led many schools to wait until after his senior year to recruit him. But Towson coach Gordy Combs pursued the 5-foot-8, 190-pounder, who claims his real time is much closer to 4.6 seconds. And the move has paid off for the Tigers, as Thomas is second on the team with 39 tackles and has the team’s lone interception this fall.
“He’s one of those guys where the game is a passion for him and he works very had at his trait,” Combs said. “He has a lot of confidence and pride in what he does and he has that competition factor.”
Thomas and the Tigers (3-4, 1-2 Colonial Athletic Association) will face one of their biggest challenges of the season when they travel to face New Hampshire (5-1, 2-1), which is ranked 10th among Football Championship Subdivision teams on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 in Durham.
The Wildcats are averaging more than 36 points per game behind first-year starter and quarterback R.J. Toman, who has thrown for 1,492 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
New Hampshire’s running game is also potent, as five players combined to score 12 touchdowns on the ground, including leading rusher Chad Kackert, who has 355 yards and two touchdowns on 41 carries. Thomas said he is ready for the challenge as Towson plays four of its last five games against ranked opponents.
“We have a talented group of guys out there,” Thomas said. “We started off a little shaky this season, but I believe we will get clicking.”
NEXT UP
Towson (3-4, 1-2 CAA) vs. No. 10 New Hampshire (5-1, 2-1)
When » Saturday, noon
Where » Cowell Stadium, Durham, N.H.
Radio » 1570 AM
TV » Comcast SportsNetwork
Tickets » Available
