Thomas Named Rookie of the Year
August 17, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- San Jose SaberCats defensive specialist CLEVAN THOMAS (5-10, 191, Florida State), who electrified fans as both a defensive back and a kicker return artist, was named the Arena Football LeagueÂ’s Rookie of the Year.
Thomas played a major role in helping the SaberCats to league-best 13-1 regular season record. Anchoring a defensive backfield, Thomas led San Jose in total tackles (55), pass break-ups (18), interceptions (6) and passed defended (24).
In addition, the former Seminole ranked fourth in the AFL in kickoff return average (22.9), returning six for scores and added 144 yards, and another touchdown on field goal returns. His seven kick return touchdowns tied Lamont Cooper (2000), Steve Papin (1997), and Willie Gaston (1996) for the Arena Football League single-season record.
Other candidates for the Rookie of the Year included: Brett Bech (Indiana), Orshawante Bryant (Arizona), Dwaine Carpenter (Buffalo), Antonio Chatman (Chicago), Nick Gatto (Orlando), Andy McCullough (Dallas), Israel Raybon (Grand Rapids), and Jermaine Smith (Georgia).
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