Coach James Thomas begins his sixth season with the Mustangs in 2016, as he began as the wide receivers coach his first year, moved to Video Coordinator/Defensive Backs and Assistant Strength Coach before his current position of Defensive Coordinator.
Thomas’ defense came through with many opportunistic plays in 2015 as they were 47th nationally in defensive touchdowns (2) and 50th in fumbles recovered (10). In terms of RMAC rankings WNMU landed third in defensive touchdowns, and led the conference in fumble recoveries. Individually, Avery Crump and Alfonso Wilson each tied for 39th nationally in fumble recoveries and Juwan Sumpter was 10th in passes defended per game. Shiane Tupua, Wilson and Sumpter were each named to the All-RMAC squad.Â
In 2014, his defense compiled 810 total tackles, 425 solo stops, 54 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, 11 interceptions, forced 10 fumbles and recovered eight. Three of his defensive players (Darius Guillory, Zachary Dembrowski and Anthony Avina) were named All-RMAC.Â
In 2013, he led a secondary that posted eight interceptions as Deshawn Hathorne led the team with three interceptions, had four pass breakups, seven passes defended, 33 tackles and two for loss while playing in all 10 games.
During his second campaign, the secondary tallied nine interceptions and had well over 150 tackles. They also had over 15 tackles for loss and Bernard Williams was first on the team in interceptions (3) and third in total tackles (59).
His secondary in 2011 came away with 14 interceptions and one of his defensive backs, Bernard Williams, was named to the 2012 All-RMAC Preseason Team.
James Thomas comes to WNMU from Graceland University in Iowa where he coached defensive backs as a graduate assistant during the 2009 season. Thomas spent four years prior to the 2009 season as an undergraduate student-athlete. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health and an endorsement in Coaching.
Over his five years at Graceland, Thomas gained a reputation as being a stellar athlete. Thomas was a four-year starting cornerback and was a three-year all-conference performer. As a freshman and sophomore player, he was under the management of current WNMU head coach Adam Clark.
In the football offseason, Thomas excelled on the track, becoming an indoor track All-American in the 60-meter dash and set the Graceland University record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.52.
Thomas completed his master’s degree in educational leadership while working as an assistant at WNMU.
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