Former Huskies QB Hoping To Hear Name Called At NFL Draft

TRUSSVILLE, AL —Former Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Zac Thomas is expected to take the next step in his football career this weekend when the NFL Draft takes place in Cleveland from Thursday through Saturday.

Thomas, who had a standout career at Appalachian State, is considered a Day 3 prospect, which would mean he would go somewhere in the 4th through 7th rounds. If he's not selected, Thomas almost certainly will get a look as a free agent.

SB Nation writer Blaine Spencer said 6-foot-1, 210-pound Thomas has the potential to "compete for a backup spot on an (NFL) squad." Others, may feel Thomas is a bit too small to have a future in the league.

But Thomas has been overlooked before, like only being ranked a two-star prospect at Hewitt-Trussville High, and said he looks forward to getting the opportunity to show he belongs in the NFL.

"I felt overlooked coming out of high school, but when you get to college it's an even playing field. I showed that I can compete, I'm tough and I can have a successful career," Thomas told The Spun recently.

As a three-year starter for Appalachian State, Thomas went 32-6, including being named the 2018 Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.

Thomas then turned some heads at his April 1 Pro Day, where he showcased his skills for NFL scouts.

According to Spencer, Thomas impressed with a 40-yard-dash time of 4.56 seconds.

"This showcased his dual-threat ability and speed, which flew under the radar at App State. This presents an opportunity for him," Spencer wrote.

Spencer said Thomas also showcased improvement with his velocity and accuracy. Though Spencer said throwing into tight windows is an area in which Thomas still needs to improve.

As for Thomas' lack of size: Spencer said it is less of an issue than it used to be thanks to the success of undersized quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray and the recently retired Drew Brees.

Spencer said there is still a lot to like about Thomas.

"As a draft prospect, you will be getting a winner and a competitor," Spencer wrote. "He may not check off every box as a prospect, but he has some intangibles you cannot coach: he's a true leader and takes command of the team, along with a very strong work ethic," Spencer wrote. "The Pro Day solidified him as a superior athlete and he is a true dual-threat."

In its rankings of the quarterbacks ahead of the draft, CBSSports.com has Thomas ranked No. 16 on a list headed by projected No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence of Clemson.. Thomas is projected as the 389th prospect. Only 259 players will be taken in the draft's seven rounds.

But Thomas said he's determined to make it, and he talked to The Spun about his motivation both before and after the draft.

"I think it's my family and my will to succeed," Thomas said. "I put this image in my mind when I was a little kid. As a future father and husband, I want to set my family up for success. And I think I want to show people back home that if a kid from Trussville, Alabama, can make it, so can they."