Lavale Thomas
Lavale Alvin Thomas is an American former professional football running back. He played college football for the Fresno State Bulldogs and later had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. He appeared in two National Football League games, both for the Packers, with one being as a replacement player during the 1987 NFL strike and the other being in the 1988 season.
Early life
Thomas was born on December 12, 1963, in Los Angeles, California. He was a second cousin of Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers player Jewerl Thomas. He was a four-year letterman in high school; he first attended Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro, Louisiana, playing one season in football as a center and helping them reach the state finals. Afterwards, he moved to Tulare, California, and attended Tulare Western High School; he was the first of two of their alumni to ever make it to the NFL.Thomas played both linebacker and running back as a sophomore at Tulare Western and was selected all-conference at the former. He then moved to fullback as a junior and was honorable mention all-conference. He returned to playing running back as a senior and was one of the top players at his position in the area, setting the all-time Tulare prep record with 1,479 rushing yards. He was first-team All-East Yosemite League for his performance and played in the Tulare–Kings All-Star Game.
College career
Thomas was recruited by several major college football teams but choose to stay close to home and play for the Fresno State Bulldogs. He lettered as a true freshman in 1982. That season, he played 11 games and was one of the team's top backs. He ran for 264 yards and averaged 4.6 yards-per-carry with three rushing touchdowns despite being limited due to injury. He was again limited by injury in 1983, but still managed to be the Bulldogs' third-leading runner with 233 yards off 51 carries and a touchdown as they went 6–5.Thomas was set to be Fresno State's leading rusher in 1984, compiling 190 rushing yards and two touchdowns in four games before suffering a season-ending injury. When he returned for his senior season in 1985, he had to play behind James Williams and Kelly Skipper; he ended the year with 356 rushing yards on 55 carries with a touchdown, averaging 6.5 yards-per-carry. He ended his collegiate career with 210 carries for 1,043 yards with seven rushing touchdowns, additionally tallying 27 receptions for 272 yards and another score.