Since suffering a season-ending injury last year in a non-contact drill during practice, senior strong safety Phillip Thomas has been anticipating his return to the field.

With the initiation of Tim DeRuyter as head coach of the Bulldogs last spring, the team’s mantra of being “fast, physical, and fanatical” has resonated with everyone, especially Thomas.

“Turnovers is the key for us and being able to strip the ball. The ball is the issue, so we just need to get it, and that’s how we’re coached,” Thomas said.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, Thomas’ love for the game gives him satisfaction. It also allows him to be on course to someday be drafted and help him provide for his mother and siblings. During the Valley championship, Thomas distinctly remembers beating out Fresno’s Bullard High to give the Drillers the win.

“Football gives me the opportunity to get an education and it also gives the opportunity to take care of my family in the long run,” Thomas said. “A memorable moment was when we came down here and beat Bullard for the Valley championship. Just getting the ring in high school was a very memorable moment for me.”

Originally recruited to Fresno State by former coach Pat Hill, Thomas really liked the staff and the football team as they radiated a friendly and pleasant atmosphere. With DeRuyter at the helm now, Thomas feels confident that he can grasp the defensive playbook.

“What got me to Fresno State was the staff. Coach Hill recruited me and I just went to a place that I was comfortable with,” Thomas said. “I respected and appreciated coach Hill and so that’s why I came here. I feel like I know the playbook well enough to be able to help others and teach others if they’re struggling.”

With the new defensive scheme of 3-4 replacing last year’s traditional model of 4-3, Defensive Coordinator Nick Toth will look to Thomas to be an even bigger playmaker. His ability to make a physical play or drop back in coverage is a prime factor in why Toth counts on Thomas to be one of his defensive leaders.

“Phillips is an explosive football player,” Toth said. “When I say explosive, he’s explosive on contact. He finishes physical plays, tackles, but he’s explosive in pass coverage, too.”

Finishing in 2010 with three interceptions, which led the team in that category, Thomas showcased elite speed at the strong safety position. Toth tremendously applauds Thomas’ uncanny ability to not only finish a play with physicality, but also drop back and cover speedy wide receivers.

“He can get in coverage and he has a burst,” Toth said. “Not many guys that you say in college football are physical tacklers, down-hill tacklers that can knock the ball back but also can cover people anywhere on the field.”

During the spring and summer training camps, Thomas has demonstrated his football intelligence by taking what Toth has preached to a greater level. With less than a week before the season starts, the Bulldogs are gearing up and Thomas looks to lead the defense by setting an aggressive tone.

“My expectations for myself are to be a leader,” Thomas said. “To be a sound player, and go out there and help everybody by getting some wins in order to win the Mountain West Conference.”

“Phillip Thomas has great football I.Q., which means he understands the play book. But when he doesn’t have the play book, he sees plays out in front of him that he can digest without having to be told,” Toth said. “He’s right where I want him to be!”