University of North Texas Athletics

In one of the most improbable ways, Jamario Thomas burst onto the national scene as a true freshman to lead the nation in rushing.

He rushed for most than 180 yards a game, set a North Texas and Sun Belt conference record with 1,801 yards, and set the NCAA freshman record for 200-yard games, going over that mark five times. He tied the NCAA record for fastest to reach 1,000 yards when he made it in seven games. In 2004, Thomas was a First-Team All-American pick by CBS Sportsline and a Third-Team All-American selection by the AP. He was the 2004 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and the Freshman of the Year as he totaled 17 rushing touchdowns. Thomas also set an NCAA record in 2004 with six 200-yard rushing games, which is the most by a freshman in NCAA history.

He finished his career as the second all-time leading rusher in school history with 3,496 yards and 27 touchdowns. Thomas ranked in the top-10 all-time when he left North Texas in rushing yards, attempts, touchdowns, 100-yard rushing games, and consecutive 100-yard rushing games.