Battling unimaginable loss and adversity, Ole Miss RB Domonique Thomas remains resilient, hard-working
Oxford, Miss. – Ole Miss running back Domonique Thomas made his first SEC appearance over the weekend against Arkansas, following the devastating injury of Henry Parrish Jr. Despite not being listed on the depth chart heading into the game, Thomas played a major role in the potent offense of the Rebels. He entered the game in the second half and concluded his day with 10 carries for 41 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
Head coach Lane Kiffin was asked about Thomas in Monday’s press conference.
“He did a good job when he was in there. Very consistent player. We’re going to need that position to play well against a team where most people don’t play well against.”
Coach Lane Kiffin on Domonique Thomas
Life-changing loss
Defying the odds is something Thomas has become used to at this point in his career. Coming out of Ohatchee High School in Alabama, he committed to play football at Union College, a small Division III school in Barbourville, Kentucky. During his first year, Thomas proved himself, rushing for 527 yards on 98 carries and being named the Mid-South Conference Appalachian Division Offensive Freshman of the Year.
Moving into the spring of 2021, Thomas was on his way to a game for Union College when he received a life-changing call from his best friend. Thomas was told that a tornado struck his hometown of Ohatchee, Alabama.
He quickly attempted to call his mom, grandparents, and little sister but was left with no response. It was later that day when his mother’s best friend called him with the news that his mom and grandparents tragically did not survive the storm.
The only survivor was his little sister, a seventh grader at the time. Thomas says her ability to recover and remain in his life has played a crucial role in allowing him to work through the deep grief.
“She was the only one that survived in the house, and I just knew I had to be strong for her and really just try to set an example for her and do everything I can to take care of her.“
– Thomas on his sister’s impact on his life
Playing for the future
In thinking of his sister’s well-being now and in the future, Thomas decided that he wanted to get back on the football field in hopes of pursuing his dreams of playing on a Division I team and eventually in the NFL. Going into 2022, he walked onto the Clemson football team, where he earned himself a scholarship prior to the start of the season.
Domonique was a Tiger for two years before he decided to enter the transfer portal and find his new home at Georgia State University. Though he had planned on playing his 2024 season as a Panther, head coach Shawn Elliott resigned three days into spring practice to take an assistant coaching position at South Carolina. And for the second time in months, Thomas was forced to enter the spring transfer portal cycle and decide where he wanted to go next.
Finally, on May 19th, Thomas took to Instagram to announce that he would be continuing his career at Ole Miss, joining Jaxson Dart and Lane Kiffin ahead of their wildly anticipated 2024 season. When making his decision in the portal, Thomas said that visiting Oxford reminded him of his hometown of Ohatchee, with a slight, improved twist.
“My official visit was my very first time coming to Mississippi. It’s really similar to my hometown—a small town, but a lot more places to eat here, so I like that.”
– Thomas on the town of Oxford
From being a Division III player to losing beloved family members, then having to transfer twice in the same year, Thomas has undergone incredible adversity for one so young. Through his hardships, he shared that one specific quote from motivational speaker Eric Thomas has helped him work through the pain and stay focused on his life goals.
“...When I was in eighth grade, I heard this Eric Thomas video, and he said when you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful. I’ve had that mindset since then, just giving everything I’ve got and trying to outwork people.”
– Thomas on his mindset
Domonique will likely get a variety of chances to find success this weekend against Georgia, the No. 2 team in the country. Be sure to tune into ABC at 2:30 pm CT to cheer on your Rebels. As always, Hotty Toddy, and Go Rebs!
