MUNCIE, Ind. - Even though this season has not been the most story-worthy season overall for the Delta Egeals football team, one bright spot is the fact that their junior running back, Aven Thomas, has become the first running back since the 2020-21 season to average more than 100 rushing yards per game.
Heading into their final regular season game vs the New Palestine Dragons. This breakout season for Aven did not just happen overnight.
“I just put a lot of preparation in the weight room and off the field…. Make sure I was putting in plenty of work with some of my teammates and some special trainers…knowing that we had a rebuild year I had to make the most of it.”
Aven said that he would describe his play style as “aggressive.”
This lines up with who he tries to model his game after, Saquon Barkley. Thomas would go on to talk about Barkley's play style.
“I really love the way he plays. He's really aggressive when he sees a hole he hits hit hard…”
But his success has not go unnoticed this season. His head coach, Billy Lynch, knew early this season that he was going to be special
“I think that we thought that he had a chance to be (special)...there was moments early in the season, I would really say that the Shelbyville game, week three, and then that Mt. Vernon game is when he really put his stamp on it.”
Now, unfortunately, Thomas did go down with an ankle injury late in the first half of the New Palestine game, but he hopes to be back in time for their round one sectional game this Friday vs Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.
Contact Michael Baugh with comments at michael.baugh@bsu.edu.
