According to Rivals Jamario Thomas or JaMo was the #5 Texas & #20 nationally rated high school running back. Came to fall practice in great shape & has shown everyone that he's really a talent.
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Football: Thomas finds place in rotation

Freshman set to help spell Cobbs this year


09:19 AM CDT on Saturday, August 28, 2004


By Brett Vito / Staff Writer


There have been times the last few weeks when Jamario Thomas has felt completely lost on the North Texas football team’s practice field.

The former Longview Spring Hill standout has had to master a new offense, learn who to pick up in pass protection and which routes to run in the passing game. The quick tutorial has been part of head coach Darrell Dickey’s effort to get a group of backup running backs ready to play a supporting role for Patrick Cobbs, the defending national rushing champion.

Thomas has found a place in the team’s rotation with a performance that has impressed Dickey, who has decided to play him as a true freshman.

"I am getting a whole lot of work," Thomas said. "It’s a lot different than in high school. Practice is more intense and serious."

The intensity of those workouts will continue to increase at 8 a.m. today when the Mean Green hold their final scrimmage of fall practice. Thomas is one of several running backs who will compete for playing time during the workout.

Evaluating those players took on added importance Tuesday when Cobbs injured his right hand, which is still in a cast. Dickey said Cobbs would see a doctor Monday and return to practice by Tuesday.

Cobbs carried the ball a school record 307 yards last season. Dickey said UNT plans to feed Cobbs the ball early and often this season, but is also confident in the rest of the players it is rotating in the second tailback spot.

Thomas, Kevin Moore, Ricardo Smith and former Liberty standout James Mitchell have all spent significant time at tailback in fall practice. Mitchell and Smith have also worked at fullback.

"We are happy with the way those guys have looked," Dickey said. "Right now we have a running back by committee. This is the most depth that we have had. We were pretty solid with Patrick and Kevin last season, but have added some players."

Each bring a different style to the Mean Green’s offense. UNT’s coaches have been impressed with Thomas’ speed and vision, while Moore is among the quickest players on the team. Mitchell is a powerful runner, while Smith is among the team’s biggest running backs.

"We feel confident that we can get the job done," Mitchell said. "If Patrick is hurt we can come in and give him a break."

UNT was forced to handle that situation last season when Cobbs severely bruised his thigh in a game against Baylor. The senior missed the second half of the Mean Green’s win over the Bears and the next two games.

Moore and Mitchell helped carry the load in Cobbs’ absence. UNT’s players and coaches believe they have the skill necessary to excel if they are called on to step in again to keep the Mean Green’s potent running game rolling

UNT has had a running back clear the 1,100-yard mark in each of the last three seasons. Cobbs set the school rushing record with 1,680 yards last season.

The success UNT has had running the ball over the last few years has helped the Mean Green build its depth at running back.

"With everyone running the spread there are not many running teams left," Dickey said. "We like to consider ourselves a balanced offensive team, but everything with us starts with the run. Players know that if they come here, they will get carries."

UNT names captains

Dickey announced that UNT’s players had selected seniors Andy Brewster, Adrian Awasom, Jonas Buckles and Patrick Cobbs to serve as the team’s captains for the year.

Andrew Smith, who died in a car accident the weekend before the beginning of fall practice, will be an honorary captain. Smith’s jersey will hang on UNT’s locker room door this season.

"All of those guys have great character and playing ability," Dickey said.

Buckles graduated in August, while the rest of the team’s captains are on track to graduate.

Briefly ...

Defensive lineman Michael Pruitt cut his leg in practice and was held out of practice Friday. He is expected to return Monday. ... Dickey said UNT’s scrimmage today will last up to two hours.