Published Jan 15, 2014
Thomas is Mr. Football
Jay G. Tate
AuburnSports.com Publisher
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"There's a lot of pressure. I have some big shoes to fill," Thomas said. "Tre Mason -- he's a great running back. I think he'll be great in the NFL. I can't go in with a big head. I have to go in with a strong heart and a strong mind."
Brining up Mason's season isn't a coincidence.
Mason arrived at Auburn in 2011 at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds. Thomas currently is listed at 5-11 and 198 pounds. Both players are willing to deliver punishment as needed and developed reputations for making the most out of every opportunity.
Thomas likes the way Auburn found ways to get Mason into open space so often during the 2013 season. He believes he also can thrive in similar situations this fall.
"It'll make it a lot easier to not take as many (big) hits," Thomas said. "I can make people miss and make my way into the end zone. I think I'll do great in this offense. I think I'll try to shape out like (Mason). We're pretty similar."
Thomas and the 2012 Mr. Football, quarterback Jeremy Johnson, give Auburn winners in consecutive seasons for the first time since Carnell Williams (Etowah) and Brandon Cox (Hewitt-Trussville) went back-to-back beginning in 2000.
Thomas gathered 15 of 17 first-place votes.