Lobo football must wait for 'Flash'

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The New Mexico Lobos have a wide receiver in spring camp that won't be able to help them this upcoming season.

But the Lobos hope Ohio State transfer Lamaar Thomas will pay big dividends in 2011.

In 2009, Thomas was Ohio State's top kick returner with an average of 20.9 yards per attempt. His best was 33 yards.

But the six-foot, 185-pound Thomas wanted to do more than just return kicks. So he decided to transfer to New Mexico, where the Lobos plan on using his pass catching skills as well.

Because he transferred, Thomas can practice with the Lobos but can't play in 2010. Thomas is taking use his waiting to play as a positive.

"I get in and get to learn the offense, and then next year I can just get ready for the season and not worry about learning plays," Thomas said. "Getting into the open field it's hard to take me down with my speed. Just being able to cut gives me some real advantages with this offense."

Thomas' running ability immediately caught the eye of New Mexico track coach Joe Franklin.

Franklin used Thomas as a sprinter during the Lobos indoor season, with the blessing of football Head Coach Mike Locksley.

"I always liked running and competing and stuff, so this is another thing I can do to keep my competitive edge," Thomas said. "I'll probably keep on doing it."

Even though Thomas hasn't been with the Lobo football team long, he's already noticed something different about players in the Mountain West as opposed to the Big Ten.

"Players in the Mountain West have a chip on their shoulder and work hard to prove they can compete with the bigger conferences," Thomas said. "I can tell these guys work hard and that's going to pay off in the long run."

The Lobos will wrap up spring practice with the annual Cherry and Silver game on April 17th at University Stadium.