Only Zach Thomas days until Tech football

There’s only 35 days until the first game of the season for the Red Raiders and today, we will be talking about the best number 35 to ever suit up for the Red Raiders, Zach Thomas. Thomas played for the Red Raiders from 1992-1995. He was offered a scholarship out of Pampa High School in Pampa, Texas by Coach Spike Dykes.

Thomas had a great career for the Red Raiders as he was a three-year starter and multiple award winner. He had 390 tackles over his career with the team and had a fantastic senior season where he had 131 tackles. He is only one of five Red Raiders to be a unanimous All-American.

He then went on to be drafted in the fifth round of the NFL Draft to the Miami Dolphins. There, he had a Hall of Fame worthy career, totaling over 1000 tackles, 20 sacks, 17 interceptions, 17 forced fumbles, and four touchdowns. He is sixth on the all-time tackles list for the NFL. In 1996, Thomas was given the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He went on to become a seven time pro-bowler, five time first team All-Pro, and a two time second team All-Pro. He was also inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll in 2012, two years after his pro career ended.

Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Thomas has not only been recognized by the Miami Dolphins, but by Texas Tech as well. In 2016, Thomas joined the five other Texas Tech greats in the Ring of Honor at Jones AT&T Stadium. He was truly one of the best players in Texas Tech history and currently being left out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the greatest snubs in all of football history.

Only 35 more days y’all! Who do you think the greatest defensive player in Texas Tech history is? Let us know in the comment section below!