High School: Played three years of varsity football at Upland High School under head coach Tim Salter as a defensive end, linebacker, fullback, and tight end... As a sophomore, recorded 24 tackles... Helped the team reach the CIF-SS Inland Division semifinals with a 12-0 record before the team suffered its only loss of the season to eventual champion Centennial... As a junior, became one of the team's defensive leaders, tallying 92 total tackles, which was second best on the team... Registered a team-best 9.0 sacks for the season... The Highlanders finished in a tie for first place in the Baseline League and returned to the Inland Division semifinals, before falling to again to eventual champion Centennial... Against Silverado, made seven solo tackles, and recovered a fumble that he returned for a touchdown... Against South Hills, recorded 11 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, two quarterback hurries, and one pass deflection... As a senior, saw playing time on both sides of the ball, including taking a carry for a nine-yard gain... Only played in half of the season, but still managed to record 48 total tackles... Registered at least 10 total tackles in three different games as a senior.
Personal: Born on Oct. 23, 1996 to Darryl and Kelley Thomas in Covina, Calif. ... Mother, Kelley, is the department coordinator for the department of biblical and religious studies at Azusa Pacific... Father, Darryl, was head football coach at Covina High School for 15 years and now is the outside linebackers coach at Upland High School, where Troy played as a linebacker last season... Has one brother, Corey, and on sister, Danielle... Is majoring in communications.
