LAS VEGAS — Georgia Tech linebacker Charlie Thomas plans to improve his NFL draft status with a strong showing in the East-West Shrine Bowl, which is set for 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Allegiant Stadium.
Thomas is on the West squad and has been coached by the New England Patriots staff. The Falcons are coaching the East team.
Thomas graduated early from Thomasville High and enrolled at Georgia Tech in 2018. He benefited from the COVID-19 season and played five seasons.
He started six of 10 games as a freshman and went on to have a productive career. He played in 53 games and finished with 313 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two interceptions, five pass breakups, six fumble recoveries and seven forced fumbles.
The West team is playing a 4-3 defense, and Thomas, who was listed at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, has been working at middle linebacker. He’s been trying to impress the NFL scouts in practice and during interviews with them.
“It’s a strenuous process,” Thomas said. “You just keep pushing through it, talking to them. Getting to know them, and they are getting to know me. It’s a good process.”
The scouts want to know how Thomas persevered through a tough fifth season that saw coach Geoff Collins get fired and replaced by interim coach Brent Key, who did well enough to earn the full-time job.
“We were trying to learn how to win and continue to grow as a program,” Thomas said. “I felt like they got a good guy in there as a head coach. I feel like he’s going to continue to elevate the program and keep getting better and better.”
Both teams wrapped up practice Tuesday.
“I want to show them that I’m a complete player,” Thomas said. “I play special teams. I play defense. I’m a physical player. I can tackle. My versatility and just my leadership skills.”
Thomas also received an invite to the NFL scouting combine, which will be held Feb. 27-March 6.
“I plan on testing well,” Thomas said. “That’s one thing I feel like I do well. I’m an athlete, so I’m going to be ready for it.”
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