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Transfer injects instant boost

Dontarrius Thomas, who came to Land O'Lakes from Wharton, could turn out to be a key addition.

By IZZY GOULD
Published May 7, 2006

LAND O'LAKES - Dontarrius Thomas could rewrite the label "one-year transfer."

He was being hyped as the next big thing after three days of practice at Land O'Lakes.

"We've been pretty explosive the last couple of years," Land O'Lakes assistant Al Claggett said. "We might have just added another bomb."

Nothing but kind, promising words from his new coaches and teammates.

They believe Thomas can complement receiver Develin Robinson after the loss of Florida State signee Caz Piurowski.

When quarterback Joe Weatherford launched one of many passes downfield Wednesday, Thomas maneuvered around a defender, tipped the ball, then snatched it out of the air.

The 6-foot-2, 175-pound receiver/defensive back has other potential.

"He's calm, he's intelligent and he's serious about the game of football," coach John Benedetto said. "I think that will help us because we're in desperate need of a leader. A kid who comes from another school could become one of our leaders."

Thomas played for Wharton last season. He helped defeat the Gators 35-34 and extinguished hopes for an undefeated season and district title.

Plenty of Land O'Lakes seniors have reminded him of just that since his arrival.

Otherwise, Thomas has enjoyed the transition. Turns out he should have been here all along.

Thomas was always zoned for Land O'Lakes, but his family sent him to Wesley Chapel as a freshman because, they said, a racial slur was uttered in a fight between one of his friends and some other kids.

"None of us were going to go to Land O'Lakes after that because kids said the n-word," said Thomas, who is black. "... So I went over there (to Wesley Chapel)."

Thomas maintained strong relationships with players such as Weatherford and Robinson.

In fact, Weatherford and Thomas went to church together days after the Wharton-Land O'Lakes game. But this is the first time they've played on the same football team.

They worked on their on-the-field relationship when they attended a speed camp this year and worked on some pass drills.

"He's going to do just as much for us as Develin," Weatherford said. "He's as good of an athlete. He proved it on the basketball court as one of the best players on the team. He's going to open it up so much for us this year. He'll make our team complete."

Thomas transferred to Land O'Lakes in January after his father underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. That made for an easier commute to school.

The move has been beneficial for Benedetto, who already mentions Thomas to recruiters who come to watch Weatherford and Robinson.

"I think he has Division I potential. I really do," Benedetto said. "And I've only seen him for a few days. I know he has good quickness, but I'm not sure about his overall speed. We'll find that out in the next week or so."

Contact Izzy Gould at pascosports@gmail.com

[Last modified May 7, 2006, 01:10:18]