Texas receiver talks early favorites

Cartrell Thomas does not let his small stature keep him from making big plays on the football field. The 5-foot-9, 158-pound wide receiver from Lancaster (Texas) High earned first-team all-district honors as a junior after hauling in 55 passes for 950 yards and 12 scores.

“A lot of college coaches have said they like that my size doesn't affect the way I play. I play way bigger than how I look,” Thomas said. “I can go up and get balls like a bigger receiver.”

Bowling Green, Colorado, Colorado State, Miami of Ohio, New Mexico, Nevada, North Texas, Texas State, Texas Tech and Tulsa have all offered Thomas a scholarship, and he has drawn increased interest from Arizona and SMU recently.

Four of the schools that have offered have caught his eye, and there is a chance Thomas could make a commitment this summer after taking some more unofficial visits.

“I went to Texas State earlier this spring to check it out and I liked it, it was nice,” Thomas said. “I am planning to go to Colorado on a visit because I like their facilities and I like the vibe up there. I am going to see Texas Tech because they produce good receivers and I like the way they run their offense. And I am going to try to make it to Tulsa because they also produce good receivers.”

Thomas said he should know in the near future exactly when he will come out to Boulder to see what the Buffaloes have to offer. He wants to visit Colorado sometime this spring.

“[Buffs co-offensive coordinator and receivers] coach [Darrin] Chiaverini told me he likes the way I play football, he likes my style. He was telling me he wants me to come check out the school. They love me there so that is why I want to go check it out,” Thomas said.

“I have been liking Colorado. That was always a college that I liked,” he added. “I just want to check it out and see the facilities myself and maybe go check out a spring practice, too.”

It could potentially come down to a battle between Chiaverini and his former employer, the Red Raiders.

“I like Texas Tech a lot,” Thomas said. “They train their receivers to be the best they can possibly be, I like the way they run their offense, and I love the coaching staff there.”

Thomas is currently gearing up for his first track meet. His goal is to get his 200-meter dash time down to 21-seconds, after running the event in 22-seconds as a sophomore.