By Lily Helton
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Star Thomas, the sixth-year senior, is the definition of a journeyman: experienced, educated, and a leader.
From Coffeyville Community College to New Mexico State, from there to Duke, and from Duke to Tennessee. Thomas has seen all kinds of programs and has gained an understanding of the game that directly translates to the gridiron..
“I mean, going JUCO prepared me a lot, prepared me to like stay patient, wait your turn, and don’t overreact to certain things,” Thomas said. “ Try to treat everything day by day and let it come to you. Good things seem to happen.”
Thomas started playing junior college football at Coffeyville, Kansas, during the 2020-2021 season. He rushed for 970 yards and 11 touchdowns.
He then caught the attention of New Mexico State University. Thomas spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons there. He had 219 total carries for 1,171 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He also earned Second Team All-Conference USA honors in 2023.
Thomas entered the portal once more and transferred to Duke University. He spent the 2024 season there, racking up 871 yards and seven touchdowns.
He then gained one more year of NCAA eligibility. With it, he entered the transfer portal one final time and ended up at the University of Tennessee.
He was drawn to the coaching staff’s honesty and connection with the players, as well as being given the opportunity to play at an SEC school. Thomas enrolled in January 2025 and went through spring practice, where he was often referred to as the most improved offensive player.
Saturday, Thomas gets the biggest test of his six years in college.
“Very excited. Just ready to get in there, especially this week right here,” Thomas said.
The Louisiana native plays alongside two other very talented running backs, sophomores DeSean Bishop and Peyton Lewis. The bond in the locker room between the unit has contributed to on-field success.
“It’s been great with him [DeSean Bishop] and Peyton,” Thomas said. “Like, knowing we all have the same goals, we all want to see each other be great.”
So far this season, Thomas has carried the ball 24 times for a total of 161 yards and three touchdowns. He is already making his mark and is looking forward to making a big impact here at UT as a rusher and a receiving back. For Thomas against Georgia, the plan is simple:
“Just trusting the playcalls the coaches give me, and going out and making the plays,” he said.