Kyi to Big Sky

After he was convinced by the Sheldon football coach to give football a try, basketball standout Kyiron Thomas decided to put on pads. It took only one season for Thomas to earn a college scholarship in football, and the wide receiver will be attending Sacramento State in the fall.

Looking back on his decision to play football, Thomas said, "It was a great experience. I really enjoyed it. It feels like more of a family sport than basketball because you are going through so much as a team where basketball can be more individual."

The past season, Thomas had 38 catches for 628 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 16.53 yards per catch and also returned 12 kicks for 201 yards. The playmaker possesses explosion and speed that translates to the wide receiver position.

At 6-foot-4, 185 pounds, Thomas holds a 3.0 GPA and has a 40 inch vertical. His favorite subject is science and he would like to major in kinesiology.

On choosing Sacramento State, Thomas said, "Being close to home I feel like I have a great support base here and my family can come watch a lot of my games. Also being able to come home when ever I want is a plus. But on the football side of things, I feel that Sac State wanted me the most out of everyone who was recruiting me, had my best interests in mind and can really develop me the best as a player."

The Husky also had interest from Eastern Washington, Nevada, Washington, and Weber State, but did not have any other offers at the time of his commitment. He said that Weber State told him they would offer on his official visit, but he cancelled his visit after committing. Thomas took an official visit to Nevada as well, and an unofficial to Montana last summer. The day after Thomas received the offer from the Hornets, he committed.

In basketball, Thomas garnered interest from quite a few schools as well, since he has played the sport since the first grade.

When deciding to play football, Thomas said, "Coach [Josh] Crabtree would always tease me at school about playing football but last year when the team started conditioning, we talked and he asked me would I rather have one scholarship or two. And from that point on I wanted to suit up."

About Coach Crabtree, the future Hornet said he will remember his coach's lessons "to always give everything my 100% effort no matter what because even if I fail I did all I could."

Thomas compares his football abilities to New England Patriots receiver Chad Ocho-Cinco because of their similarities in athleticism.

He believes his strength is his natural ability. "I can do a lot of things other people can't and think that's what allows me to excel," said Thomas. "Once I start my program, I will really be able to hone my skills."

Thomas is trying to improve in all areas since he knows he is new to the game. "I'm still learning and the sky is the limit for me at this stage," said the receiver.

Back on the basketball court, Thomas starts at the shooting guard position and his goal is to win a state championship. The Huskies are 13-3 and the second ranked team in the NCP rankings. The 7th ranked prospect in NCP's Top 40 basketball rankings seemed to have a bright future on the basketball court as well, but his hoops career will be over at the end of this season to pursue his football goals.

Thomas is already a great football player, who oozes with potential. With some great coaching at Sacramento State, Thomas should become an excellent college receiver.