VIDEO: Ian Thomas looking good at camp

[Saca312]

It's day two of training camp and overreacting to players without pads. So, as it seems, it appears a player who's getting all the rave so far happens to be a recent draft pick by Hurney.

And, well, it happens to be a player I've been a fan of since he was drafted. 

Ian Thomas seems to be getting the current "oohs" and "aahs" from reporters and fans alike. From what is being told, he's looking like a solid route runner and receiver in these padless practices. Granted, pad-less also has given way to guys like Austin Duke and Russell Shepard getting major hype, but at the same time it does show that these players show potential.

So, it was nice seeing a little clip of Ian Thomas being good:

Perhaps it truly is a blessing in disguise for the Panthers that Chris Manhertz was unable to make training camp. Perhaps Ian Thomas will finally be the player who'll solidify the TE2 spot (to Sanjay's delight) and be the apparent heir to Olsen.

(pls no kiss of death football gods)

[The Huddler]

I wana see how he handles getting popped. I wana see if he can pop too. This two hand touch aint poo. Good to see him getting reps

[ShutDwn]

I went to IU a while ago and sadly still watch some IU football. The program has been a little different lately with guys like Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard stoping through. When I saw Tevin Coleman for the first time at IU I was just like wow that's an NFL player for sure as he steamrolled elite defenses.

I felt the same way when I first saw Ian Thomas catch a gorgeous over the shoulder TD against Ohio State. He had been in one offseason at a D1 school and he looked like an NFL player against Ohio State. He has all the tools and he's a great story but we don't know about his feel for the game but still, he's got more potential than any #2 TE we've had he's in such a great spot with Olsen as a mentor. 

[Piff]

Pads or not he looks pretty quick for a TE.

[PantherCam213]

Was excited about this guy day one.  He's being given some pretty good coaches and mentors.  Lets hope he capitalizes on the opportunity. 

No missed opportunities!!

[Montie_0123]

I really hope this guy pans out so that we don't have to worry about the TE of the future. I like what I saw in the video he does look like he would be a problem after the catch when pads are on.

[Snake]

Without pads you expect your offense to do this. You can also can get more info out of it for a rookie than a 3 year vet who should look good. 

[Moose Hoover]

no pads on, it's just practice, can disregard until the 7th game of the season. otherwise it's just conjecture.

[Saca312]

6 hours ago, Moose Hoover said:

otherwise it's just conjecture.

In theory it’d possible to back certain things up with what was seen via their college tape and combine measurables. From what I see, this just shows Ian’s athleticism, route running, and potential as a play-maker.

Now, he does need to show up when pads come on as well. As a recent example, Austin Duke once made TC headlines for his play with no pads, but disappeared when the pads did come on. Ian Thomas needs to show he can block (which pads will give a better idea on) and continue his good days with those pads on.