Linebacker Drake Thomas is technically a Junior, but he has played 4 seasons at NC State due to an extra Covid year. Thomas has at least one more game in a Wolfpack uniform, against whoever NC State draws in a Bowl Game. Technically, Thomas has one more year of college eligibility remaining, but the verdict is out on whether or not he will come back, or enter the NFL Draft (most likely). With that in mind, here’s where Drake ranks in the NC State record books at the end of regular season of his 4th season.
Thomas currently ranks 9th in NC State history in Sacks. What makes this so remarkable, is that Thomas is the ONLY Linebacker ranked in the Top-10.
NC State Career Sack Leaders
1. Bradley Chubb, 2014-17 – 26
2. Mario Williams, 2003-05 – 25.5
3. Tyler Lawrence, 1990-93 – 24
4. Art Norman, 2011-14 – 23.5
5. Carl Reeves, 1991-94 – 22.5
6. Manny Lawson, 2002-05 – 21
6. Mike Jones, 1987-90 – 21
8. Willie Young, 2005-2009 – 20.5
9. Drake Thomas, 2019-22 – 18
10. Ray Agnew, 1986-89 – 17
10. George Anderson, 1999-02 – 17
Thomas is currently tied with current teammate Isaiah Moore for 5th All-Time in Career Tackles for Loss, with 42. Thomas and Moore are the highest ranking Linebacker’s in Tackle’s for Loss in school history. What makes Thomas’ number so impressive, is he did it in 4 years on the field, compared to Moore’s 5.
NC State Career Tackle for Loss Leaders
1. Bradley Chubb, 2014-17 – 60
2. Mario Williams, 2003-05 – 55.5
3. Willie Young, 2005-09 – 45.5
4. Carl Reeves, 1991-94 – 45
5. Drake Thomas, 2019-22 – 42
5. Isaiah Moore, 2018-22 – 42
7. Manny Lawson, 2002-05 – 41
7. Dantonio Burnette, 1999-02 – 41
9. Stephen Tulloch, 2003-05 – 40
10. Nate Irving, 2006-10 – 39.5
Simply put, Thomas is one of the best Linebacker’s to ever play at NC State, and when it comes to Sacks and Tackles for Loss, he has done what no other Wolfpack Linebacker has ever done.
At least for the 1st 2 years
Manny Lawson was a Linebacker at NC State
drake is a beast but Tyler Lawrence was a linebacker number 58 Ian’s number 3 in sacks