Clevan Thomas impressing teammates, coaches early in spring practice
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky offensive coordinator Eddie Gran fielded a question about freshman receiver Clevan Thomas on Tuesday and offered an interesting comparison.
“He reminds me a little bit of Benny (Snell) in terms of his mentality and how he’s going about it as a freshman.”
Snell’s freshman season was arguably the best in school history. After not recording a carry the first two games of the year, Snell went on to become the leading rusher in school history as a freshman. He finished the season with 1,091 yards, surpassing Moe Williams for the most yards as a freshman in program history.
So when Gran compared Thomas to Snell, the freshman couldn’t help but smile.
“I didn’t even know that,” Thomas said. “It’s a shock. It’s really nice. Benny Snell came here last year and was the starting running back. For him to compare me to him makes me feel like I have a chance to do something for Kentucky.”
Early returns from spring practice seem like a safe bet that Thomas, who is playing both slot receiver positions, will have an impact for the Wildcats. He enrolled early from Flanagan High School in Miami, Fla., to get a head start on college.
“I came here early for a purpose,” Thomas said. “I didn’t want to come here early and then just not play. When I first got here I needed a playbook. At home I get in the playbook on top of school work. I come in here for training table after I go watch film and watch myself, watch other players in past years just to see what I can do to help myself.”
Kentucky receivers coach Lamar Thomas has been happy with the freshman’s contributions to this point. Lamar said some freshmen come to college talking a big game about learning and getting better, but he said Clevan is actually doing it.
“Clevan’s done great,” Lamar Thomas said. “The opportunity he has in front of him to come in and learn, he’s gotten better every day. He’s really eager about learning. He loves coming in and learning extra stuff. That’s a good thing for a freshman. He wants to learn, asks a lot of questions. He’s going to get better and better.”
Fellow receiver Jabari Greenwood has also noticed Thomas’ work ethic. Greenwood hosted Thomas for his official visit last October and knew how important Thomas could be to Kentucky’s program because of his character and physical ability.
“Terrific work ethic for Clevan,” Greenwood said. “He’s definitely a good kid. His character and physical ability, he’s going to be a playmaker.”
Adjusting to college can be difficult for a normal freshman. Coming in during the middle of the year and skipping the end of their senior year of high school can be even more challenging, but Thomas said both football and school are getting easier every day.
“I go to practice just smiling,” Thomas said. “I’m getting reps and understanding the offense. Schools is becoming easier. I’ve been adjusting well.”