Nearly every kid grows up with dreams of becoming a star athlete, and when their favorite sport is football, their thoughts often turn to positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, and running back. However, for some, becoming the next Barry Sanders or Jerry Rice is just not in the cards. For Joe Thomas, this was exactly the case.
\When I was born they said I was going to be 6'10"," confessed the junior left tackle. Needless to say, there are not too many near seven foot running backs or receivers playing at any level. But just as with any other athlete, Thomas had to work with what he was given, and luckily for him, that was a lot.
Possessing physical abilities rarely seen for a man his size, the mammoth Thomas constantly amazes his coaches with his physical gifts.
""He is a guy who is 6'8"", 300 pounds and moves like a 6 foot basketball player. He's a big guy who plays like a small guy,"" said head coach Barry Alvarez of Thomas. ""Those are the ones who are unique. You watch him athletically, he is just special.""
Offensive line coach Jim Hueber also recognizes the unique skills of his star pupil. ""We've had some tough guys that weren't quite as athletic. We've had some athletic guys that weren't quite as physical. But right now he is showing he's got both.""
The Brookfield, Wis., native possesses so much raw talent that many Badger faithful are concerned he may leave after his junior season for the NFL, where he would almost certainly be a first round draft pick, possibly even one of the first five players selected.
There is a long list of players deemed ""The Next Great..."" or ""The Most Talented..."" who fail to fully realize their full potential for a multitude of reasons, most often poor work ethic or lack of dedication to the game. However, this is an area where Thomas separates himself from all those talented players who came before him and failed to live up to their athletic billing. In the eyes of his coaches, Thomas' mental approach to the game is just as impressive as any 40-yard dash time or bench press mark he has achieved.
""Joe is really an analytical guy,"" Alvarez said. ""He does all the little things. It's really important to him. It's fun to have someone like him.""
""I think he is really driven. I think it is really important to him to do what he feels like he has to do to be as good as he can be,"" Hueber stated. ""He wants to do everything right, I think that is what drives him. He doesn't want to make a mistake.""
Thomas attributes the development of his impressive work habits to his other love-throwing large objects.
""I have always considered myself a perfectionist, especially in the athletic field."" Thomas explained. ""I think I developed that through track, because the shot and the [discus] are sports of techniques. Trying to achieve that perfect technique. From there I kind of just take that to the football field.""
In his third year at UW, Thomas' physical and mental abilities are coming together with extraordinary results, as shown by his recent domination of every Bowling Green defender that stood in his way.
""Just how graceful he moves and how athletic he is, he was very impressive in the game, just playing with a lot of confidence and savvy,"" said Alvarez.
But once again, there are always those few things he can improve on if he wants to take his place among the recent great Badger offensive linemen such as Chris McIntosh, Aaron Gibson and Dan Buenning. As for those fans who are still worried about Thomas leaving early for the NFL, Hueber has a few words of encouragement.
""I think he really wants to go as far as he can here in college. He wants to be an All-American, I know that for a fact.\
