USF Athletics

The primary backup to Andre Hall in 2005, he’ll now compete to replace the departed Hall...Might not be as flashy as Hall, but showed signs of being every bit as effective.

SOUTH FLORIDA ? 2005: A redshirt freshman, coaches gave him meaningful time as a backup and potential  heir to Andre Hall...Coaches have complete confidence in his capabilities...Had 92 carries for 373 yards with two touchdowns...Had 83 yards vs. Florida A&M (Sept. 3) and 75 vs. UCF a week later (Sept. 10)...Also had a 66-yard game at Syracuse (Nov. 12)...

SOUTH FLORIDA ? 2004: Utilized his redshirt season.

HILLSBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL - Ranked as seventh best overall prospect in Tampa Bay by St. Petersburg Times...Tampa Tribune ranks as 43rd to prospect in the state...Second team Class 5A all-state as the utility player...Also named to Times’ all-Suncoast team as a linebacker, and to the all-county team as the utility player...Named County Offensive MVP by Tampa Tribune...Rushed for more than 1,200 yards...159 yards on 26 carries in playoff win over Winter Springs, when he also returned a kick 95 yards for a score...In a regional championship loss to Durant, he ran for 43 yards on the opening play from scrimmage...West MVP in Hillsborough County East-West All-Star Game with six carries for 54 yards...Coached by Earl Garcia.

PERSONAL ?Born August 12, 1986 in Nashville, Tenn...Son of Earl Thomas and Jacky Ponton...Has two brothers.