Ohio State football players don’t usually transfer to places like New Mexico.
Yet that is exactly what receiver Lamaar Thomas did in 2010, leaving the Buckeyes to join the Lobos in search of regular playing time.
He was expected to be a big part of the New Mexico offense in 2011, but injuries limited him to just four games.
“It’s definitely been tough,” Thomas said. “It’s been frustrating for me, especially being a football player and knowing the thing that I love and the thing I came here to do.
“(But) it’s something that’s going to make me better in the end. I’m trying to stay healthy now and do the right things. Hopefully, it will all come together in the fall.”
Thomas caught nine passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns last year, tantalizing the Lobos with his potential.
The good news is that Thomas already made a positive impression on the new coaching staff.
“He really did have a good spring,” coach Bob Davie said. “If I had to pick out one guy in the spring that looks like he has big-play potential, and also did it consistently, it’s him.”
Davie praised Thomas’ work ethic and his ability to also help the Lobos on special teams, where he is expected to be one of the primary kick returners.
“I feel like I fit well with the things they’ve done with me in spring ball — being motioned around a lot, getting in the backfield a lot, being able to not only catch the ball but also carry the ball, a couple of the things I was able to do in high school,” he said.
“I think the offense fits me pretty well.
It allows me to show a lot of my abilities and
a lot of things I can do well, where I can get the ball in my hands pretty quick and make plays from there.”
Offensive coordinator Bob DeBesse lined up Thomas in the slot position to best maximize the Lobos’ ability to get the ball in his hands.
“He did a really nice job of catching the ball, a really nice job after the catch,” DeBesse said.
“Being able to get him the ball any way that we possibly can — reverses, quick game — he’s one of the few guys that we can say can be explosive for us.”