Football: From Falcon to Falcon, Briar Woods Senior Receiver Josh Thomas Set to Soar with D2 Fairmont State

By Owen Gotimer
LoCoSports Editor-in-Chief
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Ashburn (February 17, 2016) — Briar Woods High School senior Josh Thomas has made a commitment to continue his football career at Fairmont State University starting in the 2016-2017 school year.

“Fairmont offered what I was looking for in terms of student body and classroom size, as well as a very competitive football program in a very competitive conference,” the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Thomas said. “I was impressed with the coaching staff and their philosophy. I really liked the offense because they throw the ball a lot. The players showed me a lot of love and made me feel like I belonged there.”

The Division II Falcons players – including Loudoun County graduate Tae Crews-Naylor (2015), Broad Run graduate Shane Faett (2015), Tuscarora graduate Nicholas Giuliano (2015) and Stone Bridge graduate Sean Tracy (2014) – led Fairmont State to a 6-4 finish overall in 2015 playing all ten of their games against Mountain East Conference opponents. Third-year head coach Jason Woodman sports a 12-18 record during his tenure with the Falcons.

“I will be able to stretch the defense with my speed for big plays or take away a defender,” said Thomas who will play wide receiver for the Falcons. “I have great vision when running the ball, and I’m also a great kick and punt return man, too.”

Named first team all-LoCo and all-Conference 14 kick and punt returner, Thomas played a big role for Briar Woods over the past three seasons as both a receiver and return specialist. During his time with the Falcons’ varsity football program, Thomas helped Briar Woods to a 26-14 record including a 3-8 finish in 2015 against one of the toughest schedules in Virginia State.

“Having the opportunity to actually play on a team with a great winning tradition and make a positive impact and play alongside some of the most talented players in the country was an honor,” Thomas said. “The Briar Woods fans always gave us a lot of love. The Falcon Frenzy is great! I loved being a Falcon and still will be a Falcon at the next level. Only the colors will change.”

With a dream of one day playing in the NFL, Thomas has continued to improve his game ever since his dad started him in tackle football when he was just 10-years-old.

“I like the contact, and the fact that it is a team sport, but that feeling after scoring or making a great play is a feeling like no other to me,” Thomas said. “[When I started playing tackle football] I remember everyone saying I was too little, but I also remember my dad saying that they can’t hit what they can’t catch.”