David Thomas was born in Plainview, Texas and attended Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas where he played basketball, football, and ran track. As a sophomore, David played free safety, totaling 110 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 fumble recoveries on the season. He earned all-city honors for his play that season. As a junior he moved to linebacker and also played tight end. He caught 55 passes for 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense. On defense he racked up 141 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries, on his way to first team all-district and all-state honors. As a senior, David set school records for receptions (62), yards (1,130), and touchdowns (21). On defense he had 82 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. He was named district MVP and South Plains player of the year. He also was named first team all-state for the second consecutive season. He accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Texas where he saw action in all 13 games as a true freshman. He was named offensive newcomer of the year and finished with 9 catches for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. He earned the starting tight end job the following season and totaled 14 receptions for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year. He was named honorable mention all-big twelve for his play as a sophomore. As a junior he caught 25 balls for 430 yards and 5 touchdowns on his way to second team all-big twelve honors He was also named first team all-academic big twelve for his accomplishments in the classroom. His senior season was a breakout year for Thomas. He had career highs in receptions (50), yards (613), and touchdowns (5) on his way to second team all-big twelve honors.

David Thomas has a good deal of experience against top competition, having started the past three years for the Texas Longhorns in the big twelve. He runs good routes and has excellent hands. He catches the ball at its highest point and rarely drops a catchable pass. He also adjusts well to poorly thrown balls. He has enough speed to gain separation from linebackers and is an excellent short to intermediate range target. He has lined up wide at times but he is not a threat down the field by any means. He lacks ideal size for a tight end in the NFL. He has a hard time beating the jam and really needs to improve his run blocking ability to become a complete tight end at the next level. He has top notch intangibles and is well-known for his outstanding work ethic and community service. David Thomas is a one-dimensional pass catching tight end at the moment. He could fit in as an H-back in the NFL and should be a second day pick in the 2006 NFL draft.