A-Train highlights

Submitted by WolverineHistorian on

Anthony Thomas was the first player I ever made a tribute video for and it badly needed more footage.  So here is an updated highlight package of him...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPBWAI6JRGo

Some might enjoy his runs but I realize others may need tissues after seeing all those offensive lines actually open up HOLES for the running game (unlike the last few years.)  For that, I'm sorry in advance. 

He was 3-1 against OSU, 3-1 against MSU, 2-1 against ND and 4-0 in bowl games.  He was also 4-0 against Penn State and 4-0 against Wisconsin.  Let's get back to that, shall we? 

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Darker Blue

July 27th, 2015 at 9:23 PM ^

Thanks Mr. Historian. Your videos are one of he best things on the web. I appreciate all of your hard work. 

The A-Train was an absolute beast. Cannot wait for our team to play like that again.

Joined: 10/30/2011

MGoPoints: 80495

htownblue

July 27th, 2015 at 9:38 PM ^

I forgot that he scored the first touchdown in both the PSU and OSU game in 97.

Does anyone remember his recruing ranking? I remember hearing a story about Fred Jackson recruiting him from some remote place in Louisiana.

Joined: 07/27/2015

MGoPoints: 53

The King In Yellow

July 27th, 2015 at 9:49 PM ^

I guess I was sort of young but I didn't remember him being that fast.  He wasn't a burner but he could separate.  Anyone know what he's up to now-a-days?  I hope he's found a good post-football life.  

Joined: 08/05/2009

MGoPoints: 775

Other Andrew

July 28th, 2015 at 3:19 AM ^

Hey WH,

I was watching the 1997 Colorado game yesterday and realized though it would be unorthodox, and maybe I would be the only one interested, I would love to see a WH Chris Floyd video. I realize it would be 65% blocks, but they would be kickass blocks.

 

Thank you for all your wonderful work.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 7808

Nutbuncher

July 28th, 2015 at 6:59 AM ^

Man, I remember back then how important the screen was in the michigan play book. I always referred to it as their "bread and butter play." I fell in love with the screen and can't recount how many big plays they got off these. Some thing about seeing the a-train on the side of the field with a convoy of blockers really got me going. It was a major momentum play. I know every team utilizes the screen, but the way they perfected it was beautiful to see. Also, run blocking. Wow!

Joined: 03/31/2013

MGoPoints: 34

Otisthebigdog

July 28th, 2015 at 9:45 AM ^

when he left and I know I won't have this exactly right. "The huge majority of A-Train's yards and touchdowns came when the game was on the line in fierce battles."

Joined: 02/06/2013

MGoPoints: 1114

snarling wolverine

July 28th, 2015 at 12:02 PM ^

I loved the A-Train.  I was in school for most of his time.  He was pretty fast once he got going -  you didn't see him get caught from behind much.  

Watching these clips gets me nostalgic about our running game - but it will come back.

Joined: 12/14/2011

MGoPoints: 98775

PeteM

July 28th, 2015 at 3:33 PM ^

The A Train was a great runner, and watching those holes open and him take off through them was amazing.  It's been awhile since we've had someone who could account for so many big plays.  That said, I'm curious as to where people think that Thomas stands among the best Michigan backs of the last 30ish years.  He's obviously among them.  That said, my recollection (confirmed by this video) was that he was amazing once he got through the hole, but was inconsistent on 3 & short (or 3rd and goal from short yardage).   

Again, that's a quibble but if ranking the last week decades worth of RBs I'd take Morris, Hart, Biakabatuka and Wheatley before the A Train.  I think he and Perry are pretty close, though I know he had more yards than Perry.  I'm curious where others think he falls in that group.

Joined: 09/15/2008

MGoPoints: 3499