Boonville running back Avian Thomas has signed his National Letter of Intent to play football next fall at South Dakota State University. During his senior season at Boonville, Thomas racked up 1,846 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 207 carries. He also added 13 receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns to help the Pirates compile a 7-4 record in 2019. Thomas says he is excited to take the next step of his football career.

Over the course of his high school career, Thomas ran for over 3,500 yards and 60 touchdowns. The speedy running back will join the South Dakota State Jackrabbits for the 2020 season. The Jacks are a perennial powerhouse in the NCAA Division 1 Football Subdivision where they are typically ranked in the top 25. Boonville coach Greg Hough says a trip to the South Dakota State campus helped influence Thomas’ decision to play there.

Thomas says he is excited to be a part of the family atmosphere South Dakota State brings to the table.

Thomas was among several players from Missouri signed by the Jackrabbits on signing day. Among them was running back Isaiah Davis from Joplin High School, who was named Gatorade and MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year. Thomas is hopeful to create a backfield partnership with Davis.

South Dakota State went 8-5 this past season, which concluded with a 13-10 loss to Northern Iowa in the playoffs.

 

Boonville running back Avian Thomas

Boonville coach Greg Hough