AntonioThomas

Claimed his first varsity playing time last season … An athletic linebacker who played wide receiver and defensive back in high school … Has added approximately 20 pounds since arriving at UK in 2007 … Has shown great attitude in practice and has been named Scout Team Player of the Week four times during his career.

2009 (Sophomore): Played in Wildcat victories vs. Miami (Ohio), the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Eastern Kentucky … Made his first collegiate tackle against Miami.

2008 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see varsity action … Had three tackles in the junior-varsity win over Fork Union Military Academy … Chosen Defensive Scout Team Player of the Week three times during the season.

2007 (Freshman): Redshirted … Named Defensive Scout Team Player of the Week during the season.

High School: Has a versatility of size and athleticism that could enable him to contribute as a wide receiver, safety, or linebacker at the collegiate level … Four-year letterman, three-year starter at Broome HS in Spartanburg, S. C. … Started three years at free safety and also as a wide receiver during his senior season … First-team all-state by the South Carolina coaches association as a senior, when he made 70 tackles and four interceptions … One of the pickoffs was returned 95 yards, a school record for longest interception return … Also caught 28 passes for approximately 600 yards and seven touchdowns … All-region as a junior and senior and all-area as a senior … Team went 30-9 during his three years as a starter, going to the state playoffs each year, and winning the state championship his sophomore season … Teammate of fellow Wildcat player Antwane Glenn … Coached by Quay Farr … “Antonio is a late bloomer, a big rangy kid who likes to hit and has the physical tools to play in the SEC,” Farr said. “He’s also an outstanding young man. He brings a lot to the table.” … Four-year year letterman in basketball, helping his team win the state championship his sophomore year … Garnered all-area and all-region honors … Has been running for the varsity track team since seventh grade … Has competed in the long jump, triple jump, 400-meter run, 4×400-meter relay, and the 4×800 relay … Team is the two-time state champion from his sophomore and junior years … All totaled, has four state championships during his high school career … Selected UK over Vanderbilt, Marshall, and Middle Tennessee.

Personal: Born in Spartanburg, S.C. … Grandson of Rosa Worthy … Major is community communications and leadership development.

Community Cats: Worked at a Habitat for Humanity build (2007) … Visited patients at the Shriner’s Hospital (2010).