Former R.E. Lee, Auburn star Thomas to hold football camp
After prepping at Lee High School and moving on to Auburn, Daniel Thomas has made a name for himself as a DB with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He will conduct a football camp later this month at Capitol Heights Middle School. (Courtesy Auburn Unv. Athletics)
By TIM GAYLE
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas will be conducting a free football camp on June 22 at Capitol Heights Middle School.
Thomas, a former standout at Robert E. Lee High and Auburn University, came up with the idea of holding a free football camp in an effort to give back to the youth in his hometown.
“I’m so excited to do my first annual free kids camp back in my hometown,” he said. “I’m proud of where I grew up and want to do whatever I can to give back to the town that made me who I am today. Growing up, I would have loved to have had this opportunity and I am excited I have the chance to impact the youth in this community. It is going to be an incredible day of drills, games and giving back. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
Thomas had seven interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, and three punt returns for touchdowns as a General, attracting the attention of college recruiters.
A last-minute scholarship offer from Auburn turned into an immediate contribution as Thomas played in 51 games over a four-year (2016-19) period for the Tigers, recording 199 tackles, 13 passes defensed, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He was a starting safety for the Tigers in 2018 and 2019 and was named team captain his senior season.
A fifth-round draft pick of the Jaguars in 2020, Thomas initially played safety but quickly developed into one of the better gunners in the league and became a special teams standout.
In four seasons with Jacksonville, Thomas has recorded 61 tackles, two pass deflections and an interception while starting four games. He showed his value last season with impact plays on special teams before breaking his left forearm during Jacksonville's Week 16 loss to Tampa Bay. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season, but the Jaguars’ front office signed him to a new contract in March a week before the start of NFL free agency.
The camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 7 to 17. Participants should use the following registration link to sign up for the camp because parents need to sign a waiver form in order for children to participate.
Thomas is working on sponsorship for his camp and volunteer camp instructors. Anyone wishing to help sponsor or volunteer at the event, please contact Tom Povinelli at tpovinelli@athletesfirst.net or call (203) 969-5408.