As I wrote last Friday, the #12 and #15 jerseys hold a special place in Purdue lore. #12 was Bob Griese's number during his time at Purdue. That is why it is strange to not see a quarterback wearing it. This year is sophomore wide receiver Tommie Thomas, who recently became a friend of the site and Twitter follower.
Tommie Thomas - So. (RS)
Hometown: Robbins, IL (Richards HS)
Wide Receiver
6'2", 190 pounds
2010 Projection: Contributor at wide receiver
Instead of talking about Tommie's on the field accomplishments, I want to highlight what he has done off the field first. Tommie enjoys working with the Special Olympics, which is much better than anything anyone can do on the field. I asked Tommie about this via Twitter the other day and this is what he had to say:
"I love getting out doing things for others also by doing these things I get to meet new people which is something I love to do"
I like this a lot. I like that we have guys like Jeff Panfil, Kyle Adams, Tommie Thomas and more that are willing to give their time to others in addition to their commitments on the football field. To me, that is more important than anything else. To whom much is given, much is expected. Tommie is a guy setting the right example of what to do.
As for his time on the field, Tommie didn't play last year, but moved from cornerback to wide receiver. He is hoping to find a place this year with Cortez Smith, Keith Smith, Gary Bush, O.J. Ross, Antavian Edison, and Justin Siller. He did a little bit of everything in high school, playing quarterback and safety while returning punts. He set a school record with 10 interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns. I am really surprised he didn't stay with the defense for this year. He was called the best athlete in the Chicago area back in 2007, so he has a lot of promise.
Tommie is also a very approachable guy. I've been following him on Twitter for awhile now and always has something great to say.
Boilermakings Notes:
GoldandBlack.com - Boilers end camp, begin work for Notre Dame
Some good news as classes start today. John Finch and Kris Staats from "the Blur" are now on scholarship.
Time spent at QB helping Purdue WRs | The Journal Gazette | Fort Wayne, IN
Justin Siller and Keith Smith say that their time at quarterback is a major benefit to playing wide receiver.