MCC defensive back Daniel Thomas inspired by family
Vangana Maka
With a bow of his head he whispers a soft prayer to begin his night, filled with lights, cheering crowds, and team spirit surrounding him before each game. Daniel Thomas, 6’3, 240 pounds out of Vicksburg, Mississippi, brings the MCC Thunderbirds football team not only talent, but a steady positive attitude.
Graduating from Mesa High School, Thomas earned an all region title, and continued to MCC as a freshman winning the Outstanding New Comer award in 2008. Along with leading last year’s Thunderbird defense with the most sacks, he currently holds the same title halfway through this 2009 football season.
Thomas has been inspired by athletes such as Michael Strahan of the N.Y. Giants and Ray Lewis with the Baltimore Ravens, but credits his biggest inspiration to his mother and father, Jeanie and Daniel Thomas Sr.
Along with a week’s worth of practice he takes on a full time schedule, majoring in kinesiology.
Prior to a football game, Thomas’ prepares in isolationlistening to music, as well as a good night of sleep.
Besides being ready physically Thomas expresses the importance of being mentally ready by stating, “You have to play the game with a lot of emotion, and never dwell on a mistake only look forward to the next play.”
With very little time to spare, he still manages to sneak in some fun.
Thomas, a last year student at MCC plans to continue to a university to earn his degree, and hopes to continue his success on the football field.
