Mike Thomas earns NFL combine invite

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss football wide receiver Mike Thomas was selected to participate in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind. The NFL Scouting Combine will be held February 23-29, 2016.

The Golden Eagles have had at least one player participate in the NFL combine each of the last six years – Thomas (2016), Rakeem Nunez-Roches (2015), Khari Thornton (2014), Jamie Collins (2013), Jason Weaver (2013), Austin Davis (2012), Lamar Holmes (2012), and DeAndre Brown (2011).

Thomas, a 2015 All-Conference USA selection, led the team in receiving yards (1,391), yards per catch (19.6), yards per game (107.0), and receiving touchdowns (14). He finished the year with a touchdown reception in 10 straight games. In addition, Thomas had a 56-yard touchdown grab in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl, marking the fifth TD catch of at least 50 yards on the season.

The Chicago native finished the year with the most receiving yards in a season in Southern Miss history. He also set the school record for most TD receptions in a season.

The wide receiver ranked fifth (5th) in NCAA in receiving touchdowns, seventh (7th) in receiving yards, eighth (8th) in receiving yards per game, and 15th in yards per reception.

The Southern Miss football team returned to the top with a tremendous 2015 season. The Golden Eagles finished the year 9-5, including a 7-1 mark in Conference USA play. Southern Miss won the C-USA West Division title and competed for the league championship. The Golden Eagles returned to a bowl for the first time in four years, playing Pac-12 opponent Washington in the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl. Throughout the season, the Southern Miss football team compiled new records and received numerous accolades.