Hatter must be back on the rock. Here was my counterpoint from another board which shall remain unnamed:
As of now Thomas is a great athlete, but far from a great NFL running back. If it's just about production then Tebow should be a first round QB draft pick. Right? DT would get KILLED at the next level with his current skill set, if he ever saw the field.
Why?
-First and foremost, he runs standing straight up. Like a scrambling QB...go figure. He might last long enough to get that rookie 4th-6th round signing bonus (modest sum), but he won't be around to cash in on a 2nd contract. Guaranteed! He needs to learn the position and learn how to run like a running back--who doesn't have a death wish. Think CU's Chris Brown (from 2001-2002), who was said to run too high. He's currently hanging on in the NFL after having just 1 injury free season out of 7 since leaving the Buffs...and he sort of knew how to play running back!
-Has anyone seen the kid block? Hell, how many times has he even had the chance? Like everything else he's doing ok at best, because of athleticism. He's not polished at all and shouldn't be with less than 5 months experience at the position. Think the NFL teams want to protect investments like Brady, Manning, Palmer and Brees? This will keep him on the sidelines in the pass happy, QB deficient NFL.
-I've seen him fumble multiple times untouched and he carries the ball like a QB (understandable). They love that stuff in the NFL don't they?
-The NFL loves to throw to the backs. A total body of work of 20-25 catches in a college career is not much of a stage for proving this ability.
-He doesn't protect his body (or doesn't know how to) and it's common knowledge he's been playing hurt. Going to run out and invest anything above a 5th or 6th round pick on a kid that's likely to get crushed and hurt with his running style?
-Right or wrong there will be questions about his intelligence. He had to go the JC route and then didn't qualify in 2 years. Unless he aces the Wonderlic those questions will persist.
I think Hatter's just preying on your or his own insecurities. After all, we're K-State and when things are good we sit around waiting for the world to take a big dump on us. It's really like shooting fish in a barrel. Almost as easy as using delusions and collectable Husker coins on Nubb fans. Unless Thomas gets Charles Gordon-like information, he'll be here next fall.
