The send-off wasn’t what most of Florida State’s seniors had hoped for, but nevertheless, the accomplishments as a program that this year’s senior class helped with are many. With the regular season in the books and only the Independence Bowl to be played, we’ll be looking back on the careers of some prominent FSU seniors.
The outgoing senior class for the Seminoles was part of the first College Football Semifinal ever and helped FSU finish in the top 10 twice and play in three New Year’s Six bowls. Some departing seniors contributed each season while others had small parts in the grand scheme of things.
A 5-star recruit out of South Florida, Matthew Thomas had what could easily be described as an up-and-down FSU career. After originally wanting out of his scholarship, Thomas would go on to be a productive player for the Seminoles, although not without some bumps — literally and figuratively — along the way.
Thomas was hampered by injuries as well as academic and family issues early on, but went on to be the best linebacker for Florida State over his final two seasons. With still the Independence Bowl left to be played, Thomas looks to have an NFL future.
Over the course of his FSU career, Thomas has tallied nearly 200 tackles, including more than 25 for loss, four sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one recovery. As Thomas gets set to wrap up his redshirt senior, here’s a look back at the top five moments from his career in Tallahassee:
5. First Career Sack
Sept. 21, 2013
As a true freshman in 2013, Matthew Thomas didn’t need much time to record his first sack. Against Bethune-Cookman in the third game of a national championship season, Thomas got his first sack of Jackie Wilson in a 54-6 victory. It would be three years later before Thomas recorded another sack.
4. 2-Sack Effort at Wake Forest
Sept. 30, 2017
Perhaps the best performance in ACC play for Thomas during his FSU career came during the Seminoles’ first win of 2017. In a 26-19 victory over Wake Forest on the road, Thomas led FSU with 10 total tackles and a pair of sacks, which doubled his career total for that category. Both sacks resulted in losses of 13 yards and the final came on a critical third down with FSU trailing in the final quarter.
3. First Career Touchdown
Oct. 21, 2017
Florida State wasn’t able to defeat Louisville and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, but Thomas did score a touchdown at his expense. With the Seminoles and Cardinals tied in the second quarter this season, Joshua Kaindoh stripped Jackson on a sack and the ball was scooped up by Thomas, who raced 34 yards for FSU’s first defensive touchdown in more than two years. Unfortunately, FSU would lose the game on a late field goal, 31-28.
2. Sealing Interception at Florida
Nov. 25, 2017
This may have topped the list had it not been for a gaffe by Thomas to wrap the play up. Leading rival Florida 31-16 this season, Thomas looked to have sealed the game with an interception of Florida’s Feleipe Franks, which Thomas looked to have returned 30 yards for a touchdown. Thomas was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for rolling into the end zone, but replay ruled that the senior linebacker actually came down short of the end zone, pushing the ball back to the 16-yard-line. It would work out in FSU’s favor as the Seminoles would melt nearly four minutes off the clock before finding the end zone anyway. The pick helped put away the 38-22 victory over Florida as Thomas finished his career 5-0 against the Gators.
1. Monster Orange Bowl Performance
Dec. 30, 2016
Against No. 6 Michigan in the Orange Bowl at the conclusion of the 2016 season, Thomas had undoubtedly the best effort his career. In a 33-32 win over the Wolverines, Thomas put up career-highs of 15 tackles and 3.5 stops for loss. Thomas helped FSU set the tone early on with a bone-jarring hit in the backfield on running back De’Veon Smith during a critical goal line stand following a turnover.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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