Miami football alums disappointed in Jeff Thomas NFL combine performance

Rashad Butler who is the analyst on the Miami football post-game show tweeted on Thursday that he was disappointed in the performance by former Hurricanes wide receiver Jeff Thomas at the NFL combine.

An outstanding performance at the NFL combine was critical for wide receiver Jeff Thomas. Thomas had a polarizing three seasons with the Miami football program. Thomas was suspended multiple times and was off the team at the end of the 2018 season.

Manny Diaz brought Thomas back in January 2019 a few weeks after being elevated to head coach. Thomas elected to skip the bench press on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday Thomas ran what many felt to be a lackadaisical 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. That was followed by 4.51 subsequent performance in the 40.

The performance in the second run by Thomas led Miami football post-game analyst and former offensive lineman Rashad Butler to question if Thomas was prepared for the combine. The dedication or lack there bc of has often been questioned about the Uber talented Thomas throughout his collegiate career.

Thomas has game-breaking speed and the ability to turn a game around at any moment. During his hurricanes career, Thomas has had an electrifying punt return for a touchdown against Virginia tech in 2018 and a costly muffed punt deep in Miami territory against Florida in 2019 that played a large role in the loss to the Gators.

The former East St. Louis Flyer entered the 40-yard dash as one of the favorites to run the fastest time. The 4.46 time Thomas ran was good but only tied for 10th among wide receivers. Thomas recorded a 36.5 in the vertical jump to finish 19th among wideouts.

Thomas needed an exceptional performance at the NFL combine with his off-field issues during his Miami career. Instead of being part of the conversation of players that impressed in Indianapolis, the numbers Thomas has recorded are part of the pack.

Thomas lept 125 inches in the broad jump on Thursday. That was 15th among wide receivers. That number was another uninspiring performance. Thomas did not run in the three-cone drill. The 20 and 60-yard shuttle have yet to be run yet. The expectation would be that Thomas should run in them.

Thomas has the physical talent to play in the NFL. He can be a game-changing return man and a good third or fourth wide receiver as a deep threat in the passing game. Thomas measured at 5’8 170 pounds at the combine. He might also have to get in the weight room in the NFL. Good interviews in Indianapolis will help Thomas.