Tag: Ambry Thomas

Packers meet virtually with Michigan CB Ambry Thomas

The Packers had a virtual pre-draft meeting with Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas.

The Green Bay Packers will have a virtual pre-draft meeting with Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Thomas, an All-Big Ten pick in 2019, opted out of the 2020 season.

The Packers likely see Thomas as an intriguing cornerback prospect with experience playing on the perimeter and in press-man coverage alignments. With Kevin King headed to free agency, the Packers have a need opposite Jaire Alexander.

During his final season at Michigan in 2019, Thomas delivered 38 tackles, 3.0 for loss, seven pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

From the Draft Network: “Thomas was most effective in coverage playing in press and disrupting route releases inside the contact window—he’s a physical player who does well when able to get his hands on the receiver and upset the timing of patterns. Thomas also flashes quite a bit in shallow spaces as a flat defender in zone coverage; showcasing good awareness of plays developing underneath to drive back to the football.”

Thomas played in 39 total games for the Wolverines, tallying four interceptions, nine pass breakups, one fumble forced, five fumble recoveries and 3.5 tackles for losses. He also returned 39 kickoffs during his first two seasons, including one for a 99-yard touchdown.

Pro Football Focus currently ranks Thomas as the site’s 121st overall prospect in the 2021 draft.

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Chargers 7-round mock draft: Senior Bowl-only edition

13 Chargers players of the last four drafts attended the showcase in Mobile, AL.

With the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl just days away, this is an appropriate time for a mock draft of what the Chargers could do if they only had players in the annual all-star game to choose from.

This is just an exercise, but keep in mind general manager Tom Telesco does covet the Senior Bowl as an outlet to find talent. 13 Chargers of the last four drafts attended the showcase in Mobile, AL.

Round 1, No. 13, Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

The Chargers will need to upgrade the offensive line after finishing near the bottom this past season. The left tackle position will be a spot that Los Angeles looks to address early on because Sam Tevi is slated to be a free agent.

Named the 2020 Outland Trophy winner, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football, Leatherwood, the 6-foot-5 and 313 pounder, made 47 starts for the Crimson Tide with 13 of them coming at right guard in 2018.

Leatherwood is an excellent blindside blocker who possesses great size, length and physicality. While he does show some stiffness in his lower body, the 22-year old possesses the heavy hands to stymie pass rushers at the next level, projecting as an NFL starter.

Round 2, No. 45, Aaron Banks, OG, Notre Dame

Forrest Lamp is another starting offensive linemen from this past season that is set to hit the free agency market. Even though Lamp played in every single game, the results were inconsistent, which is why they could decide to let him walk.

Banks, the first-team All-American, allowed just two sacks in 844 snaps as a junior. He is a good-sized smooth-moving mauler as both a run blocker and pass protector who won’t lose many one-on-one battles.

Banks has a mammoth body type with 330 pounds neatly packed on his frame, where he using his mitts like powerful vice grips to latch-and-control, projecting as a plug-and-play guard.

Round 3, No. 77, Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami

There’s a chance that Melvin Ingram, who is set to be a free agent, won’t be back next season. The Chargers could roll with Uchenna Nwosu as one of the outside linebackers, assuming they run a 3-4 defense. Regardless, the team needs more talent up front.

Roche eclipsed 11 quarterback pressures in three games in 2020 for the Hurricanes. The year before that, he amassed 68 quarterback pressures and 13 sacks for Temple in 2019.

Roche is a slippery rusher with the initial burst, functional strength, and length to threaten the pocket on a regular basis and defend the run, projecting as a promising outside linebacker at the next level.

Round 3, No. 97, Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan

The Chargers need to add more pieces to the cornerback room. Casey Hayward took a step backwards last season and will be entering the final year of his contract and Michael Davis will be a free agent this offseason.

After serving as a depth piece, Thomas found his way in the starting lineup in 2019. In 12 games, Thomas totaled 38 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries.

Thomas is a lengthy athlete who can stick with receivers downfield with  good play speed and fluid hips. Thomas uses his athleticism to make plays on the ball and receiver, showing a nice amount of ball skills to finish through contact. He is also physical in the run game.

Round 4, No. 117, Jacoby Stevens, S, LSU

In Staley’s defense, position versatility is key. He covets hybrid defensive backs that are capable of being put in different coverages and those who can play the pass and the run equally effectively. Stevens is a do-it-all player who fits that mold.

Lining up everywhere from single-high safety to an outside linebacker, Stevens logged 63 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, four passes defensed, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries in 2020.

Stevens is a competitor who has the instincts and physicality to play in the box. There, he can roam around the backfield and jam opposing receivers, cover tight ends, rush the edge on blitzing downs and come up in run support, making him an ideal fit for the present day NFL secondary.

Round 5, No. 156, Trevon Grimes, WR, Florida

The Chargers have talent in the wide receiver room, but they could afford to get more explosive at the position.

Grimes joined the Gators as a transfer player from Ohio State. During his time with Florida, Grimes accumulated 97 receptions for 1,444 yards and 14 touchdowns. This past season, the senior receiver hauled in 38 receptions for 589 yards and nine touchdowns.

Grimes is a big, physical receiver who has deep speed and brings strong hands and contested-catch ability. He uses that size and physicality in the run game, where he is stout as a blocker.

Round 6, No. 194, Royce Newman, OG, Ole Miss

General manager Tom Telesco made the point at his end-of-season press conference that addressing the offensive line would be a focal point this offseason. To shore up the unit, Telesco takes the third offensive lineman of this year’s draft.

In 2019, Newman started all 12 games at guard, allowing only one sack on 416 pass-blocking snaps. This past season, the 6-foot-6 and 310 pounder kicked back outside to tackle, where he shined again, particularly in the run-blocking department.

Newman needs to continue and get stronger and develop physically, but he has the frame, athleticism, technique and football character than makes him an ideal developmental player who offers versatility to play either tackle or guard.

Round 7, No. 237, Ta’Quon Graham, DL, Texas

The Chargers have some players up front that should benefit from Staley’s defense, but they could afford some additional depth in the trenches.

In four seasons, Graham amassed 70 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 46 quarterback pressures, seven quarterbacks hits, 41 runs stops and only eight missed tackles.

Playing both on the outside and over the B-gap as a more traditional three-technique tackle, Graham is a balanced athlete for his size with the long arms, movement skills and play strength, projecting as a productive rotational player.

11 potential Chargers to watch during Senior Bowl week: Defense

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists 11 defensive players in the Senior Bowl that could be on the Bolts’ radar.

The pre-draft process leading up into the 2021 NFL draft is headed to Mobile, AL, for the Senior Bowl. This event is one of the biggest college football all-star games that will feature the most prolific prospects in the country.

This week will draw the attention of many Chargers’ scouts, coach Brandon Staley, and general manager Tom Telesco to do their homework on players that could potentially be suitors for Los Angeles come April.

Last year this event brought in quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Joshua Kelley, safety Alohi Gilman and wide receiver K.J. Hill. The year before that the team found safety Nasir Adderley and linebacker Drue Tranquill.

It all starts with three days of practices and finally, the game on Saturday. I’ll be in attendance, constantly giving updates throughout the week.

With that being said, here are 11 players to keep an eye out on the defensive side of the ball.

Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami

There’s a chance that Melvin Ingram, who is set to be a free agent, won’t be back next season. The Chargers could roll with Uchenna Nwosu as one of the outside linebackers, assuming they run a 3-4 defense. Regardless, the team needs more talent up front.

After transferring from Temple, Roche accumulated 4.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in ten games for the Hurricanes. Roche is a slippery rusher with the initial burst, functional strength, and natural leverage to threaten the pocket on a regular basis and defend the run.

Ambry Thomas, CB, Michigan

The Chargers need to add more pieces to the cornerback room. Casey Hayward took a step backwards last season and will be entering the final year of his contract and Michael Davis will be a free agent this offseason, with his future currently up in the air.

After serving as a depth piece, Thomas found his way in the starting lineup in 2019. In 12 games, Thomas totaled 38 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, three interceptions, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. He elected to sit out his senior season.

Thomas is a lengthy athlete who can stick with receivers downfield. He has good play speed and fluid hips, making for easy transition to turn and run. Thomas uses his athleticism to make plays on the ball and receiver, showing a nice amount of ball skills to finish through contact.

Jacoby Stevens, S, LSU

In Staley’s defense, position versatility is key. He covets hybrid defensive backs that are capable of being put in different coverages and those who can play the pass and the run equally effectively. Stevens is a do-it-all player who fits that mold.

Lining up everywhere from single-high safety to outside linebacker, Stevens logged 63 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, four passes defensed, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries in 2020.

The big-bodied defender is a competitor who has the instincts and physicality to play in the box. There, he can roam around the backfield and jam opposing receivers, cover tight ends, rush the edge on blitzing downs and come up in run support. The possibilities with Stevens are endless.

Joshuah Bledsoe, S, Missouri

Since the beginning of his freshman season, Bledsoe gradually grew into one of the SEC’s top defensive backs. He finished his collegiate career with 131 tackles, 19 passes defensed, eight tackles for loss and an interception.

Bledsoe is a good athlete with quick feet, shiftiness in his movements and good body control. He plays fast, quick, rugged, competitive and tough in the run department. His versatility will allow him to be placed just about anywhere in any scheme, but particularly in the nickel or in the slot.

DJ Daniel, CB, Georgia

Daniel joined Georgia in 2019 as a JUCO transfer. In two seasons, he played in 21 games for the Dawgs, recording 51 total tackles, including three tackles for loss, and nine passes defended. Lost in the shuffle due to the presence of Tyson Campbell and Eric Stokes, Daniel still showed out in the secondary.

Daniel has an ideal build for the position at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds with plus length, smooth hips, and quick feet. He has the long speed and reactive athleticism to make early contributions at the next level, but needs to improve his strength in the run game.

Thomas Graham, CB, Oregon

Prior to sitting out in 2020, Graham produced back-to-back productive seasons. In 2018, he logged three interceptions and 18 pass deflections. In 2019, Graham followed that adding two interceptions and 10 deflections along with five tackles for loss and a forced fumble.

Arguably one of the Pac-12’s most productive corners, Graham is a physical player who always engages the receiver when the ball is snapped. That physicality also shows up in the run game. He has decent athleticism and shows quick-twitch ability to match up with quicker wideouts.

Camryn Bynum, CB, California

Bynum, a four-year starter at Cal, initially opted out of the 2020 season after the Pac-12 season. When it was reinstated, Bynum returned and earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He started all 42 games of his career, tallying 184 tackles with six interceptions and 28 passes defended.

Bynum is an above-average, physical athlete with good shadow ability. He uses his athleticism to make plays on the ball and receiver, and often relies on it to cover any lapses in coverage. His lack of deep speed could lead to a switch to safety, but expanded versatility at the next level is a plus.

Hamilcar Rashed, LB, Oregon State

Earning first-team All-American honors in 2019, Rashed burst onto the scene in 2019. That season he amassed 62 total tackles, 14.0 sacks, and 22.5 tackles for loss. Despite a lack of production in his senior season, his tools still translate to the NFL.

His pass-rush arsenal lacks variety, and his production is based more on effort and athleticism than technique. However, Rashed is only scratching the surface of his ability and shows the athleticism, competitive toughness and physical traits to be a productive NFL pass rusher.

Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State

Linval Joseph had a great season in 2020, but the Chargers could afford to add more depth pieces at the nose tackle position to command double-teams and keep the interior guards off the inside linebackers.

In four seasons with the Seminoles, Wilson totaled 109 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.

Wilson is long and athletic who has powerful hands to get in the backfield, as well as the strength and balance to hold up against double teams. He also possesses the burst to make an impact in the run game. Wilson owns gap versatility which should come in handy at the next level.

Jordan Smith, EDGE, UAB

In his first season at UAB, Smith finished with 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. This past season in eight games, Smith amassed 22 tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and an interception.

Smith has the explosiveness, length and high motor to win around the edge at the next level and has the ability to hold his own the run game, but needs to improve his hand usage and add some counter moves to be a more well-rounded player. With refinement, he could be a steal.

Payton Turner, DL, Houston

After spending the majority his career for the Cougars as an interior defender, Turner slimmed down to 270 pounds prior to the 2020 season, where he enjoyed arguably his most productive yet, totaling 25 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in just five games.

Showing on tape he can play a variety of roles on the defensive line, Turner is a decent athlete who moves very well for his size, displaying first-step quickness, ankle flexion and closing burst. Beyond the way he moves, Turner possesses plus power and strength.

Turner’s versatility will be selling point, as he can be a versatile chess piece on the line. He can play standing up or in a three-point stance on the outside, and he can also kick inside to the 4i position.

Gemon Green ‘leader in the clubhouse’ as Michigan football starting CB

Could Michigan football have a surprise starting at Ambry Thomas’ vacant cornerback spot in 2020?

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While it was no surprise that Michigan got Ambry Thomas to agree to come back for his senior year after the bowl game, what was surprising that he opted out and has chosen not to return to the team after the postponement and then reinstatement of the 2020 football season. Thus, with Lavert Hill having departed after exhausting his eligibility, Michigan is looking to break in a bevy of new cornerbacks.

So who’s in contention?

Wolverines defensive coordinator Don Brown went into even more depth than he did a week ago on Monday when he spoke to Jon Jansen on the Inside Michigan Football radio program on Learfield IMG College.

“Obviously we wish Ambry nothing but success,” Brown said. “But DJ Turner’s been working really hard, Jalen Perry also working really hard. Gemon Green has really played well. He’s a guy that’s been with us for a period of time. Always had the athletic ability. Conceptually, he’s put it all together. So we feel really good about him.

“Young guys – George Johnson, Andre Seldon really doing well. This Keshaun Harris, who’s a former track guy here, he shows that track speed every day. And we got a young guy from Massachusetts, this Eamonn Dennis, that can flat-out fly. Most of his high school play was on the offensive side. Well, he’s learning to play corner. The one thing that shines is his 4.38 40. We’re trying to get him up to speed, but he’s with the best corners coach in the country, so he’ll be just fine.”

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That said, who will be the starters?

Michigan has often platooned at least one cornerback position — you can recall Jeremy Clark/Channing Stribling in 2015-16 or even working in either Brandon Watson or Vincent Gray in the past two years — but at the moment, two are standing out to Brown: the aforementioned Gray and third-year corner Gemon Green.

However, with camp still ongoing, nothing is written in stone at this juncture.

“We challenge those guys everyday,” Brown said. “Vincent Gray is the unquestionable leader and who’s gonna be the second guy? Well, that’s why we call it practice. One day, one guy looks really good. Another day, another guy looks really good. But I also lean on Gemon Green’s done a good job there. I’d say he’s the leader in the clubhouse right now. That challenge is far from over.”

We won’t know for sure whether or not Green can claim that starting role until Oct. 24, when Michigan heads to Minnesota for the Big Ten season opener.

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Jalen Mayfield explains decision to return to Michigan

The Michigan football starting right guard explained his process and if he’s recruiting Nico Collins and Ambry Thomas to follow suit.

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He was out, but they pulled him back in.

Such was the case for Michigan redshirt sophomore Jalen Mayfield, the Wolverines starting right tackle, as he opted out of any potential season that the maize and blue might have in August — after the Big Ten postponed fall sports — only to reverse course exactly one month, to the day, later.

Mayfield’s father, on the day that the Big Ten announced it would return to action this fall, told the Detroit Free Press that his son would remain in the NFL draft, but a week later, buzz came that he would change his mind. He did, in fact, reverse course, and has since been cleared by the NCAA to be eligible in the season that kicks off on Oct. 24.

But what was it that brought him back to Ann Arbor after being staunchly opposed to playing? Turns out, it was his teammates, Mayfield told BTN’s Mike Hall.

“A couple days after, a couple guys were texting me, letting me know I’m welcome back,” Mayfield said. “I think that’s what kind of did it for me. I felt like I love to play football, and when it was taken away from me, it was kinda odd. I was faced with a bunch of decisions to make. But I really wanted to play football, and it when it was announced that it was returning, I wanted to play this season with all the guys.”

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But, of course, it wasn’t as easy as just saying that he wanted to return and strapping on a winged helmet.

Mayfield had signed with an agent and had missed several weeks of school. So there was something of a process that had to be involved with returning to Michigan.

He said that the coaches helped him through it as well as making him feel sound in his decision to come back.

“It was a long process,” Mayfield said. “Coach Warinner, Coach Gattis and Coach Harbaugh reached out to me and they were talking to me the whole time, even though we didn’t know if we were having a season or not, they were staying confident that we do. They were talking to me on a consistent basis.

“When I said I wanted to come back, I talked to my position coach and then talked to Coach Gattis and they were excited to have me back and they were welcoming.”

While Mayfield did return, the two other opt-outs remain opted out at this juncture.

Ambry Thomas told WolverinesWire this week that he intends to stay in the NFL draft, and it’s not yet known whether or not Nico Collins will remain in or return to the team, as he’s yet to make any sort of statement on the matter. Jim Harbaugh said on his radio show on Monday that Mayfield is the only one of the three who had started the process towards restoring his eligibility, though all three had signed with agents.

Mayfield says he speaks with the other two, and is doing his best to recruit them back to Michigan. However, whatever they decide, Mayfield says he will support them, regardless.

“I’ve talked to them a couple times, but it’s their decision,” Mayfield said. “I want them to come back of course, but sometimes you’ve got to make decisions for yourself. But I would personally love to have them back, but there’s no hard feelings if they don’t come back – though I wish they would. But I have no idea what they’re gonna do.”

Watch the entire interview below:

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Meet Ambry Thomas, Michigan’s big-play DB prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Michigan cornerback prospect Ambry Thomas

If your favorite NFL team is looking for a defensive back prospect who knows how to get his hands on the ball and create big plays, Michigan’s Ambry Thomas should be one of their prime targets in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Thomas recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to opt out of the 2020 college football, how he’s attacking his preparations for next year’s draft, and why he loves talking trash on the field.

JM: What can you tell us about your decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft?

AT: I just felt like there wasn’t enough clarity. We had too many unanswered questions. Why couldn’t the NCAA give us answers? Honestly, I wasn’t impressed with the leadership of the NCAA. They didn’t seem to have any leadership at all.

All of that played a big role in my decision. It was supposed to be my senior season. I couldn’t sit around and wait for them to figure stuff out. I had to stay active. It felt like the right time for me to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL.

JM: What are some areas of your game that you were looking forward to showcasing this season?

AT: I don’t feel like a lot of people have seen me at 100 percent. I didn’t start getting my groove back until midway through last season. I sat out all of training camp. I didn’t come back until our first game. I didn’t start practicing until a few days before our first game.

I thought I had a pretty good season but I definitely need to improve in a few key areas. I don’t think anybody has seen my full potential yet. I’m just excited to showcase that at the next level.

JM: That said, 2019 was still your best season. You made 13 starts, had seven pass break-ups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. You really did improve last season, despite the lack of practice time.

AT: Anybody that knows me knows that I don’t shy away from competition. I’ll never do that. Competition is what fuels me, that’s what gets me going. I love the game of football. It was just a matter of time for me last season. I just had to feel comfortable again. Once I did that, everything went smoothly. Everything started to take care of itself at that point.

Syndication: DetroitFreePress

JM: What’s your favorite part of playing the defensive back position?

AT: I love spending the entire game in a receiver’s face (laughs). That’s my favorite part. I’ll be there all night long.

JM: What was the biggest lesson you learned throughout your time at Michigan?

AT: I feel like the biggest lesson I learned was how to be patient. I had to be really patient, both on and off the field. I had to stay patient. I actually didn’t start playing a lot until my junior season. During my freshmen and sophomore seasons, I felt like the guys in front of me were better prepared mentally than I was. Athletically, we were on the same page. I just had to be patient. I knew my time would come. When it did, I made the most of it.

JM: What was it like playing for Jim Harbaugh?

AT: It was good. He gave me some insight into what things are like at the next level. That’s one of the reasons I came to Michigan in the first place. I wanted to play for a head coach with NFL experience so that when I make that jump, it wouldn’t be a total culture shock for me. I wanted to get myself acclimated with NFL level coaching.

JM: Opting out of the season is allowing you so much time to prepare for the draft. You wouldn’t have this much prep time under normal circumstances. What are the biggest challenges that come with that?

AT: I just have to stay consistent. I can’t let it get to me. I love playing football. I definitely miss that. As I watch everybody else play football, I just can’t let it get to me. Of course I would love to be out there. I hate watching other people play football. I’m trying to stay sane. I’ll be ready when my time comes.

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JM: Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?

AT: That’s a tough question. Overall, I thought Alabama had a great group of receivers. They were solid. I thought Jonathan Taylor was a great running back. He’s with the Indianapolis Colts now. Those guys come to mind.

JM: One of the next big events in your football career will be the NFL Scouting Combine. Are there any drills that you’re looking forward to?

AT: I’m definitely looking forward to running the 40.

JM: Any predictions for your 40 time?

AT: I won’t get into that (laughs). If you know me, you know I’m gonna run fast. If you’ve ever seen me run at any football camp, you know I’m fast. I’ve made a lot of progress since I’ve been in college. Everyone that knows me knows I’m gonna run a fast time. God willing, my legs will be ready. I’m just trying to stay fresh. I’m getting ready for that.

JM: Are there any defensive backs that you particularly enjoy watching tape on? Do you model your game after anybody?

AT: I like Jalen Ramsey, honestly. He knows which receivers can’t handle trash talk (laughs). I love that about him. It’s very difficult to beat him at his own game. He knows how to get into their heads. He’s obviously a very good player from a technical standpoint as well. He gives off a lot of energy. I feel like I have the same type of energy about me.

Syndication: Lansing

JM: Are you a big trash talker yourself?

AT: Sometimes (laughs). Some coaches don’t like it, but it’s a part of the game, in my opinion. It’s passion. It’s just passion. I feel like if I’m talking trash, I can’t allow myself to get beat out there. I have to win the majority of the reps. It fuels me. That’s how I’ve always looked at it.

JM: What’s your best memory of playing at The Big House?

AT: I remember my first game coming off the injury. That was big. I made an interception. That was definitely a special moment for me. To be coming off an injury, to make a big play in front of our home crowd, you’re always gonna remember something like that. It was an exciting moment.

JM: What’s next for Ambry Thomas?

AT: I’m curious to see what’s happening with The Big Ten. They recently reinstated the season. I’m just being patient and taking things day-by-day. If I get another chance, I’m going to pursue my dreams. I’m always looking forward.

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LoW (386): Goodbye, Ambry Thomas!

Breaking down that Michigan football CB Ambry Thomas won’t be returning to the team in 2020.

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We confirmed earlier on Tuesday that Michigan CB Ambry Thomas will stay opted out and won’t return to the team. Discussing that and where Michigan goes from there.

Then: why we’re more optimistic than most about Michigan football in 2020 and reacting to Wolverines in the NFL as well as the current landscape of college football.

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You can find us on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts!

Or, you can listen below, right here on WolverinesWire!

Ambry Thomas makes decision about Michigan football future

The now-former Michigan football cornerback discloses to WolverinesWire that he will remain opted out, forgoing his final season in A2.

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On Sept. 16, when the Big Ten announced it would be returning with an eight game-plus one fall season, players who had originally opted out had begun to opt back in.

It took a week for Jalen Mayfield — who opted out just after the Aug. 11 decision to postpone — to reverse course, but since, all eyes in Ann Arbor have been on Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas and Nico Collins — both of whom had signed with agents, like Mayfield. On Monday, on the IMG Radio Network’s Inside Michigan Football show, Jim Harbaugh told Jon Jansen that, “Right now, at this point, Jalen was the only one who submitted that waiver to opt back in,” so for Collins and Thomas, the answers haven’t been quite as clear — whether they intend to seek a return or remain in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, one of the two will not return to Ann Arbor this fall, WolverinesWire confirmed.

Former Michigan cornerback Ambry Thomas has confirmed with WolverinesWire that he will not be returning to Ann Arbor for his final season of eligibility and that he will continue to work towards his future in the NFL.

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Two weeks ago, Thomas appeared on SiriusXM’s Big Ten channel 372 with Jon Jansen and hadn’t yet seemed to rule out a return, but had some questions about the viability of it, given that he had signed with an agent.

“I honestly don’t know how all that would work with me signing with an agent already,” Thomas said. “I’m hearing certain things that I could come back. I’m hearing other things that I can’t. A whole bunch of uncertainty still from my end, and right now, answers would clear everything up for me.”

Beyond that, Thomas hadn’t quite shut the door on a potential return, he had told WolverinesWire at the time, but it is shut now, he says.

Now Michigan will turn to a handful of inexperienced players to take Thomas’ place opposite presumed starter Vincent Gray. DJ Turner II, Andre Seldon, Darion Green-Warren, Jalen Perry and others are likely in contention to fill Thomas’ lofty shoes.

In three years, Thomas played in 34 games and had 54 tackles with 3.5 for a loss, 4 interceptions, one forced fumble, five fumble recoveries and one kick returned for a touchdown in the 2017 season opener.

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Jim Harbaugh updates status of Jalen Mayfield, Nico Collins and Ambry Thomas

As well as if Michigan football CB Ambry Thomas or WR Nico Collins are planning to opt back in.

 

Big news came last week for Michigan football, when Wolverines right tackle Jalen Mayfield decided he would be returning to the program to play his redshirt sophomore year, after all.

When the Big Ten had postponed the fall 2020 season back on Aug. 11, it took one week for Mayfield to decide his future, and that decision was that he would turn the entirety of his focus to the 2021 NFL Draft as he has been a projected first-to-second round talent. With the conference then planning to have a spring season, Mayfield chose to opt out on Aug. 18.

However, on Sept. 18 — one month, to the day later, reports surfaced that the talented right tackle would reverse course, despite earlier reports indicating he would remain in the draft.

Now that Mayfield is back with the team, there was but one more challenge: he had signed with an agent. Per NCAA rules, that meant he would be ineligible, but given the unusual circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those who had moved forward with their careers could apply for a waiver to be reinstated to their respective teams — thus Mayfield did precisely that.

Speaking to Jon Jansen on the Inside Michigan Football program on the IMG radio network, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh delivered the good news to the maize and blue faithful that Mayfield had applied for said waiver and that it has, indeed, been approved by the NCAA.

“Jalen Mayfield — he did submit a waiver to be able to come back and play,” Harbaugh said. “And that waiver has been granted. I think that there were a few stipulations that he had to do, but that waiver has been granted that he can (come back and play).”

Fans have been waiting for the possibility that Michigan’s two other opt-outs — wide receiver Nico Collins and cornerback Ambry Thomas — would come back into the fold.

However, Harbaugh threw some cold water on the notion, saying that neither of the aforementioned have applied for such a waiver.

“Right now, at this point, Jalen was the only one who submitted that waiver to opt back in,” Harbaugh noted.

While that doesn’t mean it’s over on that front, it’s not an encouraging sign at the moment. However, Michigan has nearly a month before it opens the season, which begins at Minnesota on Oct. 24.

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Ambry Thomas seeking clarity about potential return since he’s signed with an agent

The Michigan football star cornerback opted out, but is trying to find out if he can opt back in since he already signed with an NFL agent.

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Don’t close the door on Ambry Thomas yet, as far as his return to Michigan football is concerned.

Thomas appeared on SiriusXM channel 372 on Thursday with Jon Jansen and Anthony Herron, and at this juncture, it doesn’t sound like Thomas is fully convinced he’s staying opted out.

At the moment, he just isn’t sure whether he can come back or not, considering he already signed with NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus. At the moment, he’s hearing conflicting information.

“I honestly don’t know how all that would work with me signing with an agent already,” Thomas said. “I’m hearing certain things that I could come back. I’m hearing other things that I can’t. A whole bunch of uncertainty still from my end, and right now, answers would clear everything up for me.”

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According to ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren, players who signed with an agent can reapply to be reinstated. Given the circumstances, with Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren having stated that the conference would not revisit its decision to postpone the 2020 season before ultimately doing just that, it seems like the NCAA would find some way to make an exception for players who made decisions based on their futures given the circumstances.

Thomas is talking to some within Schembechler Hall, trying to get more information about his options.

“Not Coach Harbaugh, but I talked to a couple of my coaches earlier,” Thomas said. “They want to get at me later, see what I’m thinking. Basically, the conversations we’ve been having, I’m gonna express some of my concerns still, see what that is even about (since) I already signed with an agent.”

For now, Thomas is still opted out and has some things he wants to show NFL teams as he prepares for the next level.

But if that preparation includes a return to Ann Arbor, then he’s sure that he and the Wolverines defense will be prepared once the season kicks off.

“My teammates, the people I’ve been around — I just wanna show everybody that I’m a leader and I bring that unique energy to feed off of,” Thomas said. “I bring that to the younger players, the older players — it doesn’t matter, I bring that to the table.

“And if there is a season, and if I do consider to come back (to) Michigan football, I’m pretty sure we’re gonna be ready.”