Drake Thomas Explained

Drake Thomas
Current Team:Seattle Seahawks
Number:42
Position:Linebacker
Birth Date:25 February 2000
Height Ft:5
Height In:11
Weight Lb:228
High School:Heritage
(Wake Forest, North Carolina)
College:NC State (2019–2022)
Undraftedyear:2023
Pastteams:
Status:Active/PUP
Highlights:
  • Second-team All-ACC (2022)
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Total tackles
Statvalue1:3
Statlabel2:Interceptions
Statlabel3:Interception yards
Statlabel4:Pass deflections
Statlabel5:Forced fumbles
Statlabel6:Fumble recoveries
Statlabel7:Sacks
Statlabel8:Defensive touchdowns
Pfr:ThomDr00

Drake Thomas (born February 25, 2000) is an American football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and has also been a member of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Early years

Thomas was born on February 25, 2000, and grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina.[1] [2] He attended Heritage High School and played as a linebacker and running back, setting the school's record for career tackles with 393 while also having 203 solo stops.[3] Ranked by 247Sports as the 22nd-best player in the state and the 19th-best inside linebacker nationally, Thomas committed to play college football for the NC State Wolfpack.[4]

College career

As a true freshman at NC State in 2019, Thomas appeared in 12 games, three as a starter, and totaled 34 tackles and one interception. The following season, he started 10 games and had 58 total tackles, ranking 30th in the conference in tackles-per-game and placing fifth on the team. He led the Wolfpack in tackles in 2021 while starting 12 games, earning first-team all-conference and fourth-team All-American honors with 100 total tackles, six sacks and three interceptions.[5] As a senior in 2022, Thomas was named a team captain and second-team all-conference while compiling 101 tackles and 7.5 sacks.[6] [7] He finished his collegiate career with 293 tackles, four interceptions and 19.5 sacks in 47 games played.

Professional career

Las Vegas Raiders

After going unselected in the 2023 NFL draft, Thomas was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent.[8] He was waived on August 29, 2023.[9]

Seattle Seahawks

On August 30, 2023, Thomas was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks.[10] He was placed on injured reserve on November 6.

On July 18, 2024, Thomas was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.[11]

Personal life

Thomas is the younger brother of current NFL wide receiver Thayer Thomas and played with him at NC State.[12]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Drake Thomas Biography . August 30, 2023 . ESPN.
  2. Web site: Drake Thomas . NC State Wolfpack.
  3. Web site: Yarris, Brett . April 8, 2023 . Drake Thomas, LB, North Carolina State NFL Draft Scouting Report . Pro Football Network.
  4. News: Pope, Jonas, IV . June 3, 2018 . Heritage LB to join his brother at NC State . . B3 . Newspapers.com.
  5. McLamb, Rob . July 26, 2022 . NC State's Thomas and Moore make Butkus Watch List . Sports Illustrated.
  6. Web site: Samra, Bobby . April 1, 2023 . Drake Thomas reveals why he opted to enter 2023 NFL Draft . On3.com.
  7. Web site: Zembal, Jacey . April 30, 2023 . NC State has at least nine former players set to chase NFL dreams . Rivals.com.
  8. Champion, Aidan . June 7, 2023 . Raiders' Drake Thomas Was Another Under-the-Radar UDFA . Sports Illustrated.
  9. Web site: August 29, 2023 . Raiders finalize initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season . Raiders.com.
  10. Web site: Boyle, John . August 30, 2023 . Seahawks Claim Two Players On Waivers . Seahawks.com.
  11. Web site: Seahawks Place Seven On Physically Unable To Perform List Ahead Of 2024 Training Camp . 2024-07-19 . Seahawks.com . en-US.
  12. Web site: Welter . Pat . October 30, 2022 . Thomas brothers journey a walk to remember at NC State . August 30, 2023 . WRAL-TV.