As an Umpire, Thomas stands behind the offense and focuses on pre-snap movement and then, largely, the offensive line on every play to look for infractions. The muck in the trenches can be difficult to distinguish, but Thomas has an advantage: He’s been out there in the NFL and he knows what to look for. He knows all the tricks of the trade.
“I can read what’s happening and I think that helps me, but you still have to make the right call and you have to be in position to make the right call,” he said. “Just like a player, you want to get better and better each and every game. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
And just like the players and the coaches, Thomas and the officials will watch video of the practice after the game and assess their performance. There is a very direct goal in mind.
“I love what I’m doing at the college level,” he said. “It’s great. But, sure, I want to be in the NFL someday as an official and having these practices is important for us, too.
“You know, I was never one to say much to the officials when I played and, really, the guys don’t say a whole lot. They might remind you to watch something extra close, but we’re already doing that. I understand what the players are going through because I was there with them. Shoot, just like them, I want to have great practices. I want to be perfect.”