Veteran offensive lineman looks to earn the first full-time starting assignment of his career ... came out of the spring locked in a battle with sophomore Ian Barnard for the top spot at left guard ... is a versatile lineman with the ability to play all five positions ... could also contribute on special teams, especially PAT/field-goal units.

2010: Saw action in 12-of-13 games, primarily on special teams ... appeared on the offensive line nine times, including first-career start in place of injured Pat Mills at left guard  versus Georgia Southern ... recorded three knockdowns in start at GSU ... graded out at 86 percent twice — over 21 plays versus North Carolina Central and over seven plays at Florida.

2009: Rebounded from season-ending knee injury suffered the previous year to appear in 11 games, primarily on special teams ... saw action in six games on the offensive line, including the final five of the regular season ... earned an impressive grade of 87 percent over a season-high 29 plays in win over Georgia Southern ... graded out at 100 percent in limited action in wins over Elon and Western Carolina ... earned academic all-conference recognition for achievements on the field and in the classroom.

2008: Appeared in each of the first nine games of the season, primarily on special teams ... saw action on offense versus Jacksonville, Presbyterian and The Citadel ... season came to a premature end when he suffered a season-ending knee injury late in Appalachian’s 70-24 win over No. 3 Wofford ... earned academic all-conference recognition for achievement on the field and in the classroom.

2007: Redshirted.

High School: Attended Riverside H.S. in Durham before spending a year at Fork Union Military Prep School in Fork Union, Va. ... played for head coach Todd Spell at Riverside and head coach LTC John Shuman at Fork Union.

Personal: Full name is Alexander James Thomas ... born Jan. 23, 1988 (22 years old) ... son of Ashley and James Thomas ... majoring in construction management ... member of ASU athletics’ academic honor roll.