In a draft well stocked with undersized runners, Thomas is one of the few big backs available who can do more than simply run. A classic slasher with deceptive elusiveness and speed, Thomas enjoyed a breakout senior campaign for the Miners and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield.

Positives: Rangy, athletic build for the position with room for additional muscle mass. … Patient runner who sees the action well and has some burst to get through the hole. … Deceptive speed once he gets through the initial wave of defense. … Has good strength to go along with his size and can run through arm tackles. … Good forward lean for short-yardage running. … Good hands and an experienced route-runner. … Physical blocker who will step up and take on defenders.

Negatives: Lacks breakaway speed and while both big and strong, isn't explosive in any way. … Only marginal elusiveness and acceleration. … Can get a little high and expose himself and the ball to unnecessary shots.

Named to Parade magazine's 2002 All-America team. … Posted eye-popping numbers as a senior at Tolleson High School. … Rushed for 3,573 yards and 47 touchdowns, averaging 10 yards per carry. … Top performance was a 426-yard, seven-touchdown effort versus Moon Valley High School. … Also had 10 catches for 350 yards and three scores his senior year. … Two-time All-State choice as a junior and senior. … Rated the No. 2 player in Arizona, No. 11 running back in the country and a West Top-100 player by Rivals.com coming out of high school. … An All-Region pick on both sides of the ball as a junior and senior while splitting time at running back and free safety. … Had seven interceptions in his career at Tolleson. … Team offensive MVP as a senior. … junior statistics included 2,087 yards rushing with 27 touchdowns. … Also snared 25 receptions for 580 yards as a junior. … Helped Tolleson to an 11-win season his sophomore year and 12-win season his senior campaign. … Tolleson won the conference title and reached the state semifinals his senior season. … High school coach was Dan Widmaier. … Earned three letters in track and field and two in basketball. … Member of a track and field team which won state his sophomore year, and finished second his junior year. … Competed in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100 meter relay, high jump and long jump. … Took first place in the 4x100 meter relay, second in the long jump, third in the 200 meters and fourth in the high jump at the state meet as a junior. … His favorite moment as a prep was beating Cactus High School 40-25 in the 2002 playoffs, avenging a 17-14 loss in the regular season.

Parents are Dwight and Bernette Calvin. … Has one brother and one sister. … Full name is Marcus Bernard Thomas. … Born 5/28/84 (Phoenix, Ariz.). … Multidisciplinary studies major.