Arizona wideout Mike Thomas strutted his stuff in the 2009 East-West Shrine Game Saturday afternoon in Houston, Texas, and didn’t disappoint.
In the 84th annual edition of the game, which spotlights college players who want to impress scouts one last time before February’s NFL Combine and April’s NFL Draft, Thomas was one the best players on the West team.
The DeSoto, Texas, native grabbed five balls for 73 yards – leading all players in both categories – and hauled in a third-quarter touchdown pass from former Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater to bring his team within four points, 17-13, midway through the quarter. Thomas also added a punt return for 23 yards in the game.
Despite his solid individual showing, the Pacific 10 Conference’s all-time leading receiver couldn’t do enough to help his team win the contest as the East prevailed 24-19 led by former Nebraska running back Marlon Lucky, who was named the game’s Offensive MVP, and his seven carries for 68 yards and one score.
It was the East’s first win in the series since 2005.