METAIRIE, La. – Whether it was running a 4.28 40-yard dash (third-fastest time at the combine) or shining in positional drills during LSU’s pro day, former Tiger receiver Zavion Thomas has been turning heads during the pre-draft process.
Something else that has impressed teams – his versatility.
“Me being able to impact the game from special teams, to outside receiver, to slot receiver, to even running back. I thank all of my coaches at LSU for giving me the opportunity to do all of those things,” Thomas said. “Coach (Joe) Sloan, BK (Brian Kelly), Coach Hank (Cortez Hankton), for giving me the opportunity to display my talent at all levels on offense. I’m blessed and fortunate to have them in my corner.”
One of his many meetings with NFL teams that stood out was his meeting with the Saints. The New Orleans native was impressed with Saints receivers coach Keith Williams and said the opportunity to play for his hometown team would be a dream.
“It’d mean everything. Growing up and watching legends like Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, even still watching AK (Alvin Kamara) to this day,” Thomas said. “Pierre Thomas, Marques Colston, I could go on and on. Growing up watching those guys every Sunday with my paw-paw and watching the Black and Gold run out to the field. Getting the opportunity to play for them would mean the world to me.”
Whether it be in New Orleans or elsewhere, one of his top priorities while representing John Ehret and the metro area in the NFL is to inspire.
“It’d mean everything to have kids that play for John Ehret or play for a team on the West Bank playgrounds. Just having kids like that look up to me. To be able to stand in front of them and do the right thing and they see that Zavion can do it, so I can do it. Just being that role model for them,” Thomas said.
There’s a wide range of when Zavion could hear his name called. He is currently projected to be a day three pick. Thomas has made a strong case to NFL teams.
“I’m blessed and fortunate to go through something like this.”
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