Brandon Thomas Class: Sophomore Hometown: North Augusta, S.C. High School: High Height / Weight: 5-11 / 240 Position: LB Birthdate: 11/12/1985 Experience: SQ

Came out of spring as the No. 2 "Will" linebacker behind Kelvin Robinson ... Gives the Rebels a linebacker who can run from sideline to sideline ... The off-season program, which includes weight and speed training, is important to his improvement.

2004: Did not see action during true freshman season and was redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL: Named a PrepStar All-America performer as one of the top 300 players in America ... Also made SuperPrep Mid-Atlantic team and was rated No. 24 in South Carolina ... Earned Associated Press and Rivals.com first team All-State honors ...Was a four-time All-Region selection ... All-Area pick and North Augusta's Most Valuable Player ... Selected as the No. 6 prospect by the High School Sports Report ... Registered 33 career QB sacks, including a school-record-setting 12 his senior year ... A four-year starter, finished his career with 250 tackles, 85 of which came during his senior campaign ... Also recovered two fumbles as a senior ... Was voted the team's Most Valuable Player in 2003 ... Three-time All-Region choice ... Participated in the Shrine Bowl, which featured the top 44 players from South Carolina and North Carolina ... Moved from nose guard to linebacker prior to his junior season and was credited with 129 tackles, including 12 for losses, and 14 QB sacks as he earned All-Region honors for the third straight year, plus All-Aiken and All-CSRA (Aiken/Augusta surrounding area) ... Played nose guard freshman and sophomore campaigns, earning All-Region both years, believed to be a first for a freshman in North Augusta ... Earned four letters in football ... Coached in high school by Joe Long.

PERSONAL: Son of Reginald and Deborah Thomas ... Full name is Brandon Reginald Thomas ... Born: November 12, 1985.