JonThomas

Hopes to win the long-snapper job after the graduation of J.J. Helton … Turned in a solid performance in the spring … Has excellent velocity on his snaps … Works as both a punt and placekick snapper … Played linebacker in high school, which is an advantage in punt coverage … Has played in two games.

2010 (Junior): Back-up long snapper did not see game action.

2009 (Sophomore): Played in two games, Wildcat victories against Miami (Ohio) and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

2008 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see varsity action.

2007 (Freshman): Redshirted.

High School: A three-year letterwinner for St. Xavier HS, a long-time power in the Kentucky high school ranks … Started for two seasons at linebacker and long snapper under Coach Mike Glaser … Team was the 2004 state champion, his sophomore season … Advanced to the state finals as a junior … St. Xavier went 37-5 during his career.

Personal: Born in Louisville, Ky. … Son of John and Ann Thomas … Major is agricultural economics.

Jonathan says … Favorite college course so far: oceanography … When I played football as a kid, I pretended I was: Troy Aikman … The coolest thing about being at UK is: the college atmosphere all around … The one thing I like most about football is: winning games … What I like about Coach Phillips is: his will to win.