The 2019 Mississippi State football season begins in just two more days when the Bulldogs battle it out with Louisiana at 11 a.m. CT. Today’s spotlighted player is No. 2, Deddrick Thomas.
Thomas, hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, was a three-star prospect coming out of Memphis Central High School. He ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect in Tennessee by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. He also ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the state by Scout.com.
Thomas, who was nicknamed “Sweet Feet,” was two-time Class 6A all-state recipient with Memphis Central High School. As a junior, he played all over the field, including at running back, quarterback and defensive back. He rushed for 1,175 yards 22 touchdowns at the running back position. At quarterback, he threw for 613 yards and nine touchdowns.
Thomas first committed to Mississippi State on April 15, 2014. He signed with the Bulldogs on Dec. 17, 2014, and enrolled on Jan. 12, 2015, so he was able to participate in spring drills. He then redshirted in 2015 during his initial season with the program. In his debut season, Thomas played in 10 games as a backup slot receiver. He hauled in five catches for 44 yards and one touchdown.
As a sophomore, the 5-foot-9, 190-pounder played in all 13 games, seeing action through the air, on the ground and on special teams. He caught 22 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed the ball two times for eight yards and returned six kicks for 129 yards. He also returned six punts for 104 yards, including an 83-yard touchdown.
Last year, Thomas played in all 13 games with eight starts. He was third on the team in receiving yards with 256 and tied for third in receptions with 19. He also caught two touchdown passes. Thomas returned six kicks for 109 yards on the year and also returned six punts for 35 yards.
Heading into the 2019 season, Thomas is set to start at the slot receiver position for his senior campaign. He adds speed and quickness to the slot and should be one of the key pieces to this year’s passing offense.