Devin Thomas Has 'Party Mix' of Chips on His Shoulder

Devin Thomas, a second-round pick of the Redskins in last year's draft, can make a significant impact on the Washington offense this season. If he shows some of the talent we saw at Michigan State, he gives Jason Campbell another weapon -- a much more explosive one than Antwaan Randle-El -- through the air.

For Thomas' part, he's certainly doing his part in staying relevant this offseason. There was a dispute as to whether or not he was showing up to voluntary workouts (he did). Now, we've stumbled upon his personal blog post where he talks about having more than one chip on his shoulder (note: this was posted a few weeks ago, but seeing as how there are less than 100 page views, not many people knew about it).

I've always had people doubting me. Do I play with a chip on my shoulder?

I've got a party mix of chips on my shoulder.

I wear number 11 on my jersey because I was 11 years old when I first knew that football was my thing, but also because 11th was where I thought I was going to go in the draft to Buffalo. There were very strong indications through the Bills and the media that I would go No. 11 to Buffalo and I had a real good feeling that was where I was going to go.

It didn't happen and I stayed around into the 2nd round. Now I do what I've got to do to prove that I could have and should have been a 1st rounder.

As tired as it seems to play this whole disrespect card, it's actually a great sign that Thomas is motivated to prove naysayers wrong. He goes on to talk about how often he's proven doubters wrong in the face of adversity. He says that if you think Devin Thomas (third person talk!) is a bust, he'll prove you wrong this season.

I have to say, I'm enjoying the spread of athlete blogging more and more with each passing day. It just gives a nice little glimpse into the psyche of each player. Not all posts can match up to the prowess of Chris Cooley -- assuming he leaves his junk out of it -- but I still enjoy most nonetheless.

With Thomas, it's easy to say what you are gonna do. I'm guessing Redskins fans want to see the result. Personally, though, I'm not going to doubt him. He has the physical tools to become a really solid wideout in this league.

Hat-tip: DC Sports Blog

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-10-2009 @ 2:35PM

A.J. said...

I like this guy. After a really slow start, he seemed to steadily improve as the season went on. If he plays for a full season this year, good things could happen. He seems very motivated to work hard. Better yet, he's actually putting in the work. Jason Campbell has been working with him personally this offseason - something that didn't happen last year because of injuries and the draft process - and seems to be looking forward to depending on DT in game situations.

If Kelly stays healthy and follows a similar path this year, our passing corps starts to not look too shabby. I really like Devin Thomas. He's so motivated and driven that it made it Zorn and Stan Hixon (WRs coach)'s job to rein him in and focus the talent that he possesses and forge him into a weapon that can be used for this offense.

4-10-2009 @ 4:14PM

DaveWill said...

I'll believe it when i see it devin

4-10-2009 @ 4:31PM

skins2win said...

I too will believe it when I see it and Cooley's blog isn't that great anymore. Cooley's blog seems to be stuff that other people write(his brother,BORING). Who cares if Tanner Cooley is doing the P90X workout? The best thing thats happened on that blog lately was when the Browns fan got pissed at Cooley and blasted him for dissing Cleveland.

4-10-2009 @ 6:20PM

lazyindiankid4 said...

man, i think we are gonna have one heck of a year next year if we can keep injury free as much as possible. We have an excellent Defense and a offense with great potential. If Campbell have a average to good year and our O-line can actually not fall on their asses for 5 or 7 sec and our WR's step up a little we can have a GREAT Year. As for the Haynesworth deal, I think it was a pretty bad idea, but i am gonna take the wait and see aproach. Best of luck to Devin thomas and to my SKINS

HAIL

4-10-2009 @ 10:15PM

Adam said...

If Devin Thomas becomes productive, that means we'll have a whole TWO receivers who can be relied on. Wow!

Seriously though, I think if Devin becomes a regular target, and even if Malcolm Kelly can have a few big games, the Skins will have a pretty good offense going. I don't see any reason why this won't happen, and I look forward to watching the progression of these young guys. I just hope the line holds up.

4-11-2009 @ 12:22AM

jeremiah said...

i like Thomas, we need him and Kelly on the field asap! who ever our QB is next season needs some big targets targets, that will help out in the red zone. Moss and Randle-el wont be winning many jump balls and we need WRs over 6 foot in the end zone.

4-11-2009 @ 3:58AM

YELLOW said...

i never like the way we use Clinton in the game if you look at his denver #`s he is a zone block runner. also it couldn`t hurt to pass to him as well. zorn should open the playbook because we seem predictable at times especially on 2nd and third downs where as our d-fence allow points do to quick 3 and outs. we need to build from the inside out rather than focusing on marquee positions. that being said i do love the addition of Haynesworth but the money is a issue with so many holes to fill.

4-11-2009 @ 12:11PM

Portis is fine in our system. I wouldn't change anything at this point.

Zorn will undoubtedly open up the playbook more. I remember when he first came here and said he was bringing in the WCO, everyone was saying that it takes two, even three years to 'install.' As time progresses, we'll see greater variation on playcalling, and better execution as the players become more familiar. People who are so quick to dismiss Zorn and Campbell don't really understand what the realities are.

4-11-2009 @ 8:14AM

James said...

I don't doubt Devin's talent or ability. I believe he has great potential. I just don't want to see him make any bonehead moves I see cocky players make like spiking the ball before he's touched down or dropping the ball before he crosses the goal line. I have an extremely low tolerance for that crap. (Not that I can do anything about it.) It's just hard to defend that kind of stuff as a fan.

4-11-2009 @ 9:21AM

donondrum said...

I think we potentially have a very good WR in the making with Devon Thomas.He ahs the talent and ability to be explosive.If he can stay away from the ticky tacky injuries he can go far.Go Skins

4-15-2009 @ 11:15PM

Stoney said...

We'll be great if Portis stops turning 40 yard runs into 9 , Campbell stops checking down to the last and most safe option, Cartwright could actually turn on the gas when he hits a 30 yard wide hole and dosen't get run down every freakin time and Mr. El would forget to drop back for a punt and let someone else take it. Other than that, we'll go undefeated.

4-14-2009 @ 6:42PM

hey adam , we are both die hard skins. I respect your reply its just Ive been burned so many times before. I Have bad days when we loose , and no one wants to be around me. we need shanahan as head coach. I cant trust zorn because if you noticed every press conference he gives too much of our already predictable o-ffence.In case, to me is taken as him excusing the fact we are looking unstable , to put blame on a quarterback who had 4 different schemes for is first 4 years. we need improvement in the scouting department because there are teams doing more with less.I think the reason we struggle is because we either get a good player past his prime or draft a player who doesn`t fit the scheme. basically leave snyder, but under him need evaluations because players need direction , talent can take you but so far. snyder is doing his part but it hasn`t been displayed on the field. Somebody is scouting these guys. we need a o-line bad. we need to stay healthy. we need a receiver to step up. please my friends are killing me but i will always bleed burgundy and gold...

4-23-2009 @ 11:34AM

charger07 said...

I cant agree enough; someone is doing the scouting. I also say that we need to get rid of the older players and get the younger guys in there an play. Positions to be looked at i think would be first at the LT,RG,LOLB,CB. If Samuel can hold up his block and Randy Thomas can pull out quick enough on his block then that will help our running game alot; also now that marcus washington is gone i dnt really know about h.d. blade and how it is going to workout i really hope he can hold his own; and that fred smoot can only keep his mouth close and play and not give up 15 to 20 yards a play then we will be good at the corner position.