8th Annual Pioneer Bowl- Charlotte, NC; For the Record: Glenn Thomas

8th Annual Pioneer Bowl- Charlotte, NC
For the Record: Glenn Thomas

November 28, 2005

Glenn Thomas, a senior wide receiver for the Bulldogs of Bowie State University, says that “(breaking records) comes with the game; I’m just out there to win.” Thomas is three touchdowns shy of tying the CIAA season record for the most pass reception touchdowns 17, set by James Roe of Norfolk State University, 1994. However, the NCAA does not recognize post-season statistics for records. Even so, that will not matter for CIAA fans as they cheer for Thomas’ TD quest and the Bulldogs to retain the crown for the CIAA in the 8th Annual Pioneer Bowl, Dec. 3 at the Memorial Stadium, 2:00pm.

Thomas is already the record holder for the Bulldogs as the all-time leader in receiving yards with 1, 472. The 6’3”, 185 pound Suitland, Maryland native credits his success to the communication skills of his quarterback, Lamar Manigo. “We have a good relationship, sometimes a quarterback can be demanding but when we return to the huddle, he will ask what route do I think would make it work, instead of telling me what I did need to,” says the All-CIAA and two-time player of the week.

When asked what wide receiver on Sunday does he try to emulate, Thomas speaks of Marvin Harrison, of the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, who reached a milestone in his 10 year career with 900 receptions in 149 games; the fastest of any other receiver in the NFL to reach this mark. “I’ve been studying him for the past five years. He may not be the fastest in the league, but he runs crisp routes and catches with his hands.”

Harrison and Thomas have that in common…accumulating in a short period of time. In 18 games for the Bulldogs, Thomas has made 20 touchdowns and 66 receptions for 1,472 yards.

The route to Bowie State University was not a direct route from Potomac High School, however, Thomas began his collegiate football career at Norfolk State University, earning MEAC Rookie of the Year honors his first year on the field but second in the classroom. The latter had proven not be as successful; lacking the grades to return to the field, Thomas opted not to return to the university.

“That was tough. I sat out for two years, and that is when I really matured. Now, coaches don’t have to check up on me, I go to class and communicate with my teachers for past work.”

When he first heard of the pending record, Thomas was shocked but unaffected. “Like I said, you learn something new everyday, but I’ve been just going to class and anticipating the next game.” It never crossed his mind or changed his game plan.