Connecticut's Noel Thomas hopes to prove himself at NFL Combine

Former Connecticut Huskies wide receiver Noel Thomas is hoping to turn some heads in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2017 NFL draft is expected to feature a number of talented wide receivers from Clemson's Mike Williams to Washington's John Ross. However, one name that is currently being overlooked as we head into the NFL Scouting Combine is Noel Thomas out of Connecticut.

Thomas had a productive final season for the Huskies, catching 100 passes for 1,179 yards and three touchdowns during his senior year. That production was enough for Thomas to get invited to Indianapolis this week, and he couldn't be more excited.

"It's huge," Thomas told Saturday Blitz. "It definitely means a lot to me, my family, my state and my school. I just want to go out there and show people what I can do."

Watching the tape, it's easy to see why Thomas got an invite. The former Huskies receiver showcases a great second gear with some soft hands and is dangerous in open space with the ball in his hands. However, it's his attitude when on the field that'll get some scouts talking.

"I play with passion," Thomas explained. "I love the game of football and I love expressing that when I play."

Growing up, Thomas idolized wide receivers like Jerry Rice, watching YouTube clips of the Hall of Fame wide receiver. In college, he's kept a close eye on players like Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr., especially with how they play when the ball is in their hands.

Despite his attitude and production in college, Thomas knows that the numbers he posts at the combine will play a big factor in his draft stock. The 22-year-old expects to stand out in the 40-yard dash, where he says he expects to post a time between 4.4 and 4.5 seconds.

This is a big week for Thomas, but he knows that his work isn't over after his trip to Indianapolis.

"I'm just taking everything day by day and giving 100 percent effort." Thomas said. "At the end of the day, I just want to be the best player to come out of Connecticut."