VIDEO: Don Woods Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – – This is the second in an eight-part series that will break down what Carson-Newman football brings to the table for the 2015 season position by position.  Today's preview features the Eagles' hurlers with quarterbacks coach Don Woods.    

For a third straight year, the position is in De'Andre Thomas' more than capable hands.  A first team All-SAC quarterback as a junior and a first team selection in the preseason leading into his senior campaign, Thomas has started 23 straight games under center.  

"First, I'm prejudiced when it comes to De'Andre," Woods said. "I think he's the hardest working guy on our team, bar none.  There's nothing he can't do. He's a leader, he can run it, he can throw it.  He's an outstanding football player, but he's a better man."

Thomas continued to showcase his capabilities in his junior season by rushing for 850 yards with 12 touchdowns and passing for 1,170 yards with nine scores. Thomas' best performance came in the Eagles 35-33 win over Catawba (9/27). He earned both SAC and TSWA offensive player of the week honors after passing for 173 yards and a score while rushing for four more touchdowns and 104 yards.

"De'Andre's leading by example," Woods said. "I will go to war with him anytime, he's got my whole heart."

Thomas is within spitting distance of numerous Carson-Newman records.  He needs 500 more rushing yards to enter the top 15 for the category.  Thomas is in position to take over Buck Wakefield's all-time record for rushing touchdowns. Thomas enters the year with 34, and needs 17 to equal Wakefield's school record 51. 

Then, there's how Thomas factors in to the passing game rankings.  He could easily wind up the Sparks-era leader in completions and attempts, likely only trailing Danny Sanders, Dale Rutherford and Jimmy Sullivan for the categories when all is said and done. 

It would take a school-record 2300 yards in the air in his senior season, but Thomas is as near as a veer-option QB can get to Danny Sanders all-time passing record of 5360 yards. Thomas is also within striking distance for Carson-Newman's all-time total offense record held by Alex Good. 

The quarterback position is also exceedingly deep with Noah Suber waiting in the wings with two years of reserve duty under his belt.

"Noah is very quiet, and he rarely makes a mistake," Woods said. "I'm so fortunate to have Dre and Noah. Both of them push each other and help each other. Both he and Dre both know how to take accountability and say that it's my fault."

Following Suber, Tyson Herron, the brother of former Lenoir-Rhyne and first team All-SAC quarterback Major Herron, provides additional depth.

"Ty's been hanging out with Dre and Noah," Woods said. "They've been outstanding showing him the ropes around here.  The first thing that jumps out to you about Ty is that he's a sponge.  He always wants to know why you're doing something. He's a very smart player."

Carson-Newman football's position previews resume Friday with C-N's running backs and Nick Reveiz.