De’Anthony Thomas
Running Back
Oregon
Measurables:
5’9, 173 lbs.
Production:
2012:
Rushing: 92 Attempts 701 Yards 7.6 Yards Per Carry 11 Touchdowns
Receiving: 45 Receptions 445 Yards 9.9 Yards Per Carry 5 Touchdowns
Best Game: vs Oregon State 17 Att 122 Yds 3Tds and 1 Rec 4yds
Introduction:
Coming out of high school, De’Anthony Thomas was the number one rated 5-star athlete in the country from Southern California. Most expected him to jump on with USC, but a late flip found him in Oregon with Chip Kelly’s lively offensive scheme. With a Snoop Dogg given nickname ‘Black Mamba’ the big question is: how will he translate at the next level? He is very small, but has game breaking speed. Will he be a scat back at best? Can he playwide receiver? Will he be able to take 10-15 carries a game in the NFL? All of these questions most likely will be answered next year. Lets look at Thomas based on what we saw from last season.
Scott Olmos – USA Today Sports
Behind the numbers:
The first thing you notice about Thomas is his size. With his small frame there is near zero chance he is an every down back in the NFL, and I say this as a die-hard Ducks fan. The most touches he had in one game last season was 18 in the civil war against Oregon State. However, speed kills in this game, and his 7.6 yards a carry and 9.6 yards per catch (mostly screens caught behind the line) are enough to turn your head. In that same game versus Oregon St. he had his highest rushing total and gave us the best sample of what he could do as #1 back at the collegiate level. Still, we should take caution not to inflate his stats mentally. Oregon’s match-ups last season included weaker teams like Tennessee Tech, Colorado, Arkansas State, and Fresno State to all help his YPC by allowing an average of over 15 YPC in each of those contests.
Behind the tape:
The first thing you notice from 2012 is that Thomas was the 2nd back behind Barner. He never carried the full load except in his game against OSU (Barner was hurt). One major concern about Thomas playing at the next level is that over 50% of the time last season, he was only facing six defenders in the box. Kelly’s spread out scheme allows for this. Knowing Kelly’s scheme well, I worry how Oregon running backs will translate at the next level where they will likely never see that same space against NFL level defenses. Still, traits that jump out on tape (besides his speed) are: his ability to cut quickly, his acceleration through holes, his toughness for his size, his blocking when needed, and his ability to run a route. Thomas has had most of his success on inside runs, and this may surprise you, but he does a good job cutting-up field even on outside zone plays. A tendency of speed backs is to consistently bounce zone plays outside, but Thomas rarely does that. For his size he is a good vertical runner. On tape if a defensive lineman gets a hand on him he usually goes down rather easily, but against linebackers and defensive backs he shows good strength, and generally falls forward well for his size. I have only seen a handful of routes from him on film, but from what I see he can run pretty good routes. He gets out of his cuts well, and obviously has the speed/quickness to get open. An example of toughness in seen in his willingness to block. Thomas will hit a defender if he has to, and does not shy away from contact. In his game against OSU he forced eight missed tackles and had 74 of his 120 yards after contact.
Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE
Strengths:
- Speed, Speed, and more Speed
- Toughness for size
- Ability to block
- Route running (for a RB)
- Vision
- Vertical Running Style
- Return ability
Weaknesses:
- Size
- Strength
- Needs more touches per game
- Does not break a lot tackles
Conclusion:
Next year will be a big year for De’Anthony’s stock. In order for him to be 2-3rd round prospect he will either have to showcase his ability to carry a bigger load each week, or extend his route running, and WR skills. Depending on next year’s production, I can see him being a 4th rounder-Ace Sanders type. However, if he improves his route running ability, I can see him as a Tavon Austin type. I expect him to be somewhere in the middle of those two prospects.
