A first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2004, the Wolfforth, Texas, native is an explosive, big-play pass catcher who has averaged 15.7 yards per catch over his career and has a 4.8-to-1 reception to TD ratio. Thomas enters the 2005 season with 48 career receptions, 754 receiving yards and 10 TDs, which is tied for second on UT's all-time tight end list.

Named for NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey, the award is based on several criteria including on-field performance along with the leadership and excellence associated with Mackey's career. Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, place in history as the first president of the NFL Player's Association and his commitment to community. The award honors his leadership and career of excellence.

The award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and announced in mid-December. Previous winners of the award include Dallas Clark (2001) of the Indianapolis Colts, two-time Super Bowl Champion Daniel Graham (2002) of the New England Patriots, Kellen Winslow, Jr. (2003) of the Cleveland Browns and Heath Miller (2004) of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2005 JOHN MACKEY AWARD WATCH LIST
Player (Year, School)
Dominique Byrd (SR, USC)
Daniel Coats (JR, BYU)
Vernon Davis (JR, Maryland)
Tim Day (SR, Oregon)
Anthony Fasano (SR, Notre Dame)
Erik Gill (SR, Pittsburgh)
Ryan Hamby (JR, Ohio State)
Clark Harris (JR, Rutgers)
Matt Herian (SR, Nebraska)
Joe Klopfenstein (SR, Colorado)
Marcedes Lewis (JR, UCLA)
Tim Massaquoi (SR, Michigan)
Zach Miller (SO, Arizona State)
Joe Newton (JR, Oregon)
Ben Patrick (JR, Duke)
Leonard Pope (JR, Georgia)
Martin Rucker (SO, Missouri)
Tony Scheffler (SR, Michigan)
David Thomas (SR, Texas)
TJ Williams (SR, NC State)