Marcus Thomas attended Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida where he played defensive tackle and fullback on the football team. As a junior he totaled 80 tackles and 15 sacks. Thomas led the team in sacks as a senior with 30 (state record is 32) on the year. He was named first team all-state for his performance as a senior. Marcus was considered to be the best defensive tackle prospect in the state and one of the top ten in the nation. He was recruited by Miami and Florida State but he opted to attend the University of Florida instead. Marcus made a immediate impact as a true freshman in 2003, seeing action in 12 of 13 games, missing the LSU game with a sprained ankle. He finished his freshman season with 1 ½ sacks and a career high 47 tackles. He was the first defensive tackle to start as a true freshman on the Florida defensive line in over 10 years. As a sophomore, Marcus started all 12 games, finishing the season with 39 tackles and a career high 4 ½ sacks. His junior season was Thomas’ best all-around season recording 45 tackles, 4 sacks, and a career high 2 forced fumbles on his way to honorable mention all-SEC honors. He would enter the 2006 season as arguably the best senior defensive tackle in the nation. His senior season was a very difficult one for Thomas. He was suspended twice for having tested positive for marijuana twice over the summer. He returned for a few games only to be dismissed from the team for violating the conditions placed on him following his second suspension. Thomas finished his senior season with 22 tackles and 2 sacks.

Marcus Thomas has a great deal of experience against top competition having started since his freshman season at defensive tackle for the Florida Gators in the SEC. Thomas has a good combination of size, strength, and athleticism for a defensive tackle. He has a quick first step which allows him to beat most offensive linemen off the snap. He has very good lower body strength which allows him to get a good push up the middle. Thomas is very strong at the point of attack and does a good job of plugging running lanes. He is equally as effective when it comes to rushing the passer and has a good spin move. He is a physical player who frequently takes on double-teams, freeing up his teammates to make plays. He has surprisingly good athleticism for a player his size and is able to chase the ball carrier down from behind in the backfield. He does have a tendency to play too high at times allowing his opponent to win the leverage battle. He also seems to tire as the game goes on and may need to stay in better shape. The biggest concern for Thomas is going to be his off the field problems. He missed the majority of his senior season having been suspended after failing two drug tests over the summer. He was later dismissed from the team altogether having violated the conditions that were placed on him following his second suspension. Marcus Thomas has the talent to be a first round pick but will most likely fall on draft day due to his off the field problems. His talent is too great to ignore and some team will take a chance on him on the first day of the 2007 NFL draft.