2002: Named to the All-GLIAC Second Team ... started all 11 games at free safety ... had a season-high 13 tackles (6-7) at Findlay and also at Northwood (10-3) ... led the team with 12 total tackles (5-7) against Grand Valley ... recovered a fumble versus the Lakers ... had a team-high eight tackles (4-4) at Ferris ... recorded interceptions at Michigan Tech and at home versus Mercyhurst and Saginaw Valley ... raced 65 yards for a touchdown with a fumble recovery against the Cardinals ... played on the kickoff return, kickoff coverage and punt coverage teams ... voted WSU[apos]s Defensive Most Valuable Player.
2001: Honorable Mention All-GLIAC selection ... played in nine of the 10 contests ... missed the Grand Valley State game ... finished second on the team in tackles ... had an interception at Findlay ... broke up six passes ... blocked a kick against Ferris State.
2000: Played in all 10 games ... third on the squad in tackles ... recorded interceptions versus Northern Michigan (1 yard return) and at Indianapolis (17 yard return) ... broke up three passes ... blocked one kick ... selected to the All-GLIAC Honorable Mention team.
1999: Received a medical redshirt after being injured early in the third game.
1998: Played in 10 contests ... sixth in the MIFC with a 24.6 kickoff return average.
High School: A 1998 graduate of Belleville ... was a two-year letterwinner for coach Bob LaPointe ... rushed for 703 yards as a senior ... earned All-MEGA conference honors ...also ran track ... served as captain in both football and track.
Personal: Born Nov. 17, 1980, in Wayne, Mich. ... son of Josie Brown-Smith ... has an older brother, Donell, and an older sister, Dorvia ... full name is Derrick Anthony Thomas ... criminal justice major ... has one son, Devin Cole Stevens (5).
Thomas' Career Statistics
Year Solo Asst. Total TFL-Yd Sac-Yd INT FR
2000 30 21 51 6-16 0-0 2-18 0
2001 41 37 78 6-17 1-2 1-0 0
2002 48 51 99 5-5 0-0 3-25 2
Total 119 109 228 17-38 1-2 6-43 2
Rushing Receiving
Year Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds TD Long
1998 79 205 2.6 1 7 56 0 22
1999 42 112 2.7 3 12 111 0 29
Totals 121 317 2.6 4 19 167 0 29
Kickoff Returns
Year No. Yds AvgLongTD
1998 14 345 24.6 66 0
