Julius Thomas: Getting to know Fantasy Football’s breakout star
By Josh Sanchez
The sounds you heard on Tuesday night could have only been one of two things — 1) NFL fans moaning that the start of the season was delayed because of rain and 2) People running to their computer to get a waiver claim on Denver Broncos breakout tight end Julius Thomas.
After his first touchdown last night against the Baltimore Ravens, people were left saying, “Throw it to the other Thomas!” After the second touchdown catch you simply heard, “Who is this guy? I need to get him on my team.”
If you feel bad for not owning Julius Thomas heading in to Week One, don’y you worry. Only 26 percent of players in ESPN Fantasy leagues owned Thomas and only 4.7 percent of the NFL.com leagues. Now, he will be the top waiver wire pick up this season which will drastically change those numbers.
But where did he come from?
Surprisingly, Thomas is a player that hadn’t played football at anytime from his freshman year in high school until his senior year at Portland State University. Before suiting up for the Portland State football team, Thomas was competing on the basketball court, so his athleticism is unquestionable.
If Thomas can stay on the field — he is due in court for misdemeanor traffic charges after failing to appear in court at the end of last month — he could be the star tight end that Peyton Manning has been looking for.
Add Demaryius Thomas on the outside and Wes Welker in the slot, and Peyton Manning has an incredible arsenal of weapons this season.