Dunbar Grad Tavion Thomas Making NFL, College Football Nation Take Notice

 Dunbar Grad Tavion Thomas Making NFL, College Football Nation Take Notice at Utah 

By Deon Cash

Tavion Thomas, one of the top running backs in college football, has risen from the depths of obscurity to reach a improbable point in his life:

Am I ready for the NFL?

Thomas, literally about a year ago, was homeless, and trying to find a way. 

But before we get to that part, lets rewind back to high school.

Thomas, a Dayton product, was a "Can't Miss" prospect in high school, as his Dunbar Wolverine team was a powerhouse and he was in full steam. 

Thomas would run over, around and through defenders to grab a opportunity at Cincinnati.  Thomas would start his freshman season as a backup for the Bearcats.  But the way he was playing after his freshman season, it looked to be Thomas job in his last 2 or 3 years. 

But Thomas was still a little immature and couldn't seem to handle college life, all the while being a backup his first season there. He also had a kid, which seemed to add pressure to Thomas to do  something, and quickly.

Thomas wasn't able to keep it together at UC, and left after a year and change.

 He seemed to be slipping out of his chance right before our own eyes. He was having issues, and he mentally had checked out. He was lost, and seemed ready to give it up to live that street life. 

But with a solid core, including his family, peers,  former coach (Darran Powell) and  staff, Thomas found his purpose, and possibly saved his - and his family's life - for the better. 

Thomas would still have 3 years left, and got a chance with a JUCO in Kansas.

It was there Thomas would get his focus back and would end up showing why Utah and coach Whittingham took a chance on him. He would dominate in 5 games at JUCO, which would get him to Utes country.  

Thomas would get a chance to shine early in the season, but he still had to shake off some rust and lock in, which we are seeing now.

Thomas has scored 10 TDs in the last 3 games, with 8 coming in the last 2 weeks.

4 TDs against UCLA and Stanford are national eye openers, and have Thomas on the NFL radar, no doubt. 

And did we mention what he did against USC? Which started his incredible run. With a new QB at the helm, Utahs dynamic duo has been deadly, and it has the Utes in line to take on Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship game. 

Thomas leads the Pac-12 with 14 TDs and is 5th in rushing yards, despite being the 3rd stringer until mid-season. He started ok this season, but was benched for fumbling.  

The old Tavion Thomas would have left.

The grown man Tavion Thomas? Sat on the bench, waited patiently for his second chance, and hasn't looked back. 

While Thomas a not a "High Profile NFL prospect" like some guys, he is definitely a NFL running back in the making. He has changed his work ethic and and now is a legitimate NFL prospect and is on fire in the Scouting departments. Take a look and you see all the makings of a NFL running back. 

6'2 with size (230), agility, speed, and a stiff arm and truck stick that reminds us of a young Eddie George, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Henry. Hell, even Earl Campbell. 

One thing is for sure; Thomas has fully embraced his change of life, and seems ready to enjoy the fruits of every opportunity. 

"I'm blessed for this opportunity, and I plan to take advantage of it." Thomas said.

Congrats to Thomas and his amazing journey. 

Follow Us on the Journey!

@DaytonWeekly

@DaytonHSSports 

@SELive365