Shamarko Thomas
Shamarko Lanell Thomas is an American former professional football player who was a football position)|safety] in the National Football League. He played college football for the Syracuse Orange, and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft. Thomas was also a member of the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, New York Guardians, DC Defenders, and the Ottawa Redblacks.
Early life
Thomas was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He attended Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, and he played for the Ocean Lakes Dolphins high school football team. He was named 2008 first-team all-state, all-region and All-Tidewater, and was a two-time first-team all-district selection. He set school records in career tackles, interceptions and defensive touchdowns. In 2008, he recorded a team-high 102 tackles, six interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and one blocked field goal as a team captain, leading the squad to a 12–1 record, while earning 2008 team defensive MVP honors. He led the team in tackles as a junior.Thomas was also a track star at Ocean Lakes High School. He earned all-state honors competing in the 100 meters, and as the anchor of the 4 × [100 meter relay] that placed seventh in Virginia. At the 2009 Beach District Championships, he placed first in the 100 meters and third in the 200 meters.
College career
Thomas attended Syracuse University, where he was a member of the Syracuse Orange football team from 2009 to 2012. During his career, he started 43 of 48 games in which he played, recording 263 tackles, two interceptions and four quarterback sacks. As a senior in 2012, he was a first-team All-Big East Conference selection.Professional career
Pre-draft
Thomas was projected by many analysts to be a mid-round selection, likely going in the third or fourth rounds. Although he had good coverage skills and was thought to be really tough, many scouts thought his lack of height would be an issue when covering tight ends. He was invited to the NFL Combine and performed well, but during his 40 yard dash, he fell. He was unable to perform the three-cone drill due to a hamstring injury but did make it up at Syracuse's Pro Day. Thomas was comfortable enough with his combine performance that he chose not to do any exercises, besides three-cone drill, at his Pro Day. He was also rated fourth among 177 qualifying strong safeties by NFLDraftScout.com.Pittsburgh Steelers
2013 season
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Thomas in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft. The Steelers traded their third round pick in the 2014 NFL draft to the Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns] in order to acquire their fourth round pick in the draft to select Thomas.On May 16, 2013, Thomas signed a four-year, $2.61 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $453,152.
He entered his rookie season as the third-string backup to Pro-bowl veteran Troy Polamalu and Damon Cromartie-Smith. He made his professional debut in the Steelers' season opener against the Tennessee Titans and finished with two tackles. On September 22, 2013, Thomas had his first career start and finished the loss with one tackle against the Chicago Bears. On November 3, 2013, he had his best game of the season after he made a season-high 8 total tackles during the Steelers' 31–55 loss to the New England Patriots. During a Week 10 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, he suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the next two games. Before the injury, Thomas had been able to earn the backup strong safety position and mainly played the primary safety in the defense's sub packages. Veteran Will Allen was signed by the Steelers to substitute for Thomas while he recovered from his injury and when he returned he was unable to win his former position from Allen.
He finished his rookie season with a total of 29 tackles in 14 games and two starts.