| Buckeye Bits: Is in his third year in the program ... backup punter behind A. J. Trapasso ... walked-on in 2005 as a true freshman and was redshirted ... good leg, just needs to become more consistent ... recruited by several Mid-American Conference schools, but from the moment he saw his first game in Ohio Stadium (Indiana in 2004), he knew he wanted to play at Ohio State ... was recruited by Ohio State, but did not receive a scholarship offer ... decided to walk-on with the goal of someday receiving a scholarship.
2007 (Sophomore): Had one kickoff, which went for 70 yards ... also had one punt, a 13-yarder.
2006 (Freshman): Showed good progress in practice and solidified his spot as the No. 2 punter ... appeared in the Northwestern game as the holder for the final extra point ... was named the team's scout special teams player of the week vs. Bowling Green.
2005 (Redshirt): Walked on, but did not see any game action.
High School: Played four years of soccer and baseball, did not play football until his senior year, when he also was a member of the swimming and track teams, earning a total of five letters that year ... earned a total of 11 letters during his career ... won second-team all-state honors as a senior, averaging 42.8 yards per punt ... also kicked off.
Personal: Son of Jim and Judy Thoma ... his father attended graduate school at Ohio State and is currently a professor at Mount Union College ... has an older sister, Louise, and a younger sister, Andrea ... is an avid golfer and enjoys watching all sports on television. |
