Joe Thomas Class: Junior Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio High School: St. Edward Height / Weight: 6-5 / 300 Position: OL

2008 Scouting Report: Third-year contributor to the offensive line who has significant starting experience... while those contributions came at right guard the prior two years, Thomas will look to earn the starting job at right tackle this season...actually was a standout tackle in high school and that experience helped him make a smooth and productive transition during the spring.

2007: Played in nine games, starting seven at right guard...sustained a left hamstring pull in the first half against Cincinnati Oct. 20 and missed subsequent contests against Louisville and Syracuse.

2006: One of the nation's most productive true freshmen...stepped into a starting role at right guard after senior starter John Simonitis was lost for the season due to injury in the year's fifth game...made his first career start at Syracuse (Oct. 7) and started the final seven contests...played in all 12 games overall, providing relief duty in the first five contests...named a Freshman All-American by Scout.com (first team) and Rivals (second team)...also named to The Sporting News Big East All-Freshman Team.

High School: Heralded career at St. Edward High made him one of the most coveted offensive linemen in Ohio...named to The Associated Press Division I All-Ohio Team (first team)...recorded 68 knockdown blocks as a senior offensive tackle and gave up just a single sack in 13 games...led St. Edward to a 13-1 mark and the semifinals of the Ohio Division I (largest classification) playoffs... three-year varsity letterman who helped his team to a combined 34-7 mark (.829) during his career...selected to The Plain Dealer All-Star Team...Cleveland Browns Charities Cuyahoga County Player of the Year...selected to play in the Ohio North-South Classic...PrepStar All-American...rated the nation's No. 20 offensive lineman by Scout.com...rated the No. 24 prospect in Ohio by Rivals.com...rated the No. 16 prospect in the Midwest Region by Scout.com...played under Coach John Gibbons...a two-time All-Ohio performer in track and field...won three district championships and two regional titles in the shot put.

Personal: Joseph Harold Thomas, born 12/22/87, is the son of Mike and Regina Thomas... has four sisters and two brothers...sister Kathleen played volleyball at Ohio Dominican University (1998-2001)... communication and rhetoric major.