UNLV Athletics Hall Of Fame
Arguably the top cornerback to ever wear the Scarlet & Gray, Kevin Thomas still holds numerous school and conference defensive records. The first player in school history to start 46 games - every one of his career - Thomas was the first defensive player from UNLV to earn All-America status in 26 years when he was named Third Team by Football News and Fourth Team by Sporting News after his senior campaign in 2001. The Sacramento native will forever be remembered by Rebel fans for his part in the most famous play in program history as he returned a fumble 100 yards for a game-winning touchdown with no time on the clock at Baylor in 1999. That return, dubbed The Wonder of Waco, was ranked 85th in ESPN.com's Top 100 Defining Plays in College Football History. After helping his team earn a win in the Las Vegas Bowl as a junior, he became the second three-time First Team All-Conference honoree in 2001. His seven interceptions as a senior broke the school and Mountain West record for a single season as he led the nation in interception return yardage and defensive scoring. His six career touchdowns off picks highlighted a school-record 55 all-time pass breakups. Named the 2001 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, KT played in both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills where he played four seasons.
