Furman: Slated for reserve duty at strong safety behind returning starter Andrew Thacker and backup Rico Scott. 2005 -- Joined the program as a walk-on at the start of the school year...did not see any action...named to Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll. High School: 2005 graduate of James Island (AAAA) High School...football coach was Dave Bruner...played safety and linebacker...compiled 100 tackles, an interception, two fumble recoveries, and four pass deflections as a senior...also competed in track, specializing in the pole vault. Personal: Full name is William Walsh Thomas III...son of Bill and Robin Thomas...has two younger sibilings, Elliott and Hampton...father played football at The Citadel...first cousin of Paladin sophomore offensive tackle Thomas Slaughter...uncle, Chuck Slaughter, played two seasons at South Carolina and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the eighth round of the 1982 NFL Draft...carries a 3.71 grade point average...undeclared major.