Troy University Athletics
Full Circle Moment: RaRa Thomas’ Path to Now
11/8/2025 4:00:00 PM | Football
TROY, Ala. – When Troy wide receiver RaRa Thomas steps onto the field at Veterans Memorial Stadium, he takes pride in making Trojan fans proud as his football journey comes full circle — returning to the place that first saw potential in him years ago.
Troy was Thomas' first college offer, extended after a seven-on-seven camp early in his high school career. Back then, he was just a multi-sport athlete from Eufaula, Alabama, more focused on basketball than football. He couldn't have imagined that one day, after stops in the SEC at Mississippi State and Georgia, he would finish his college career where it all began — wearing a Trojan uniform.
"Troy was my first offer ever," Thomas said. "I came to a seven-on-seven camp up here, and Chip Lindsey offered me. It's crazy to think they were my first offer, and now I'm here."
That full-circle moment was shaped largely by Jerrell Jernigan, one of the most iconic names in Troy football history. A seven-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection and NFL veteran, Jernigan's name is etched across the program's record books. But to Thomas, he's much more than a legend — he's family.
"Jerrell's the reason I'm where I am today," Thomas said. "He took me under his wing when I was in high school. He was my assistant basketball coach, and after we lost the state championship my junior year, he asked if I wanted to play football. I told him no, but he signed me up for camps anyway. Once he did that, I knew I had to take it seriously."
That decision changed everything. With Jernigan's mentorship and encouragement, Thomas began to attract attention from college coaches, and soon his recruitment took off. His senior year brought offers from SEC programs such as Mississippi State and South Carolina.
Through the challenges of transitioning from high school to the SEC, Jernigan continued to be Thomas' anchor.
"When I first got to Mississippi State, I wanted to leave," Thomas said. "Moving away from home and figuring out college was overwhelming. I thought there would be no more me and Jerrell. But Jerrell called me every day. He was like my dad through it all."
Now in his final collegiate season, Thomas said playing at Troy isn't much different from his time in the SEC.
"Mississippi State and Georgia were big schools, but it's all the same at the end of the day," Thomas said. "I don't look at this receiver room any different. Our receivers can do the same thing — they have the potential and the skill set to play at the next level. We go out there and compete just the same."
Thomas now wears the same uniform Jernigan once did, chasing similar goals and continuing the legacy of Troy receivers who came before him.
"When I came to Troy, I wanted to break Jerrell's records," Thomas said with a smile.
Even if that doesn't happen, Thomas said he's thankful for the man who helped him get to this point. He knows he can call Jernigan anytime — and he already knows what that conversation would sound like.
"If I called Jerrell before a game, I'd probably cry," Thomas said. "I'd thank him for everything. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here. And he'd probably just tell me to stop crying and go play — that he loves me and to give it my all."
From his first college offer to his final college snaps, Thomas' journey represents a true full-circle moment — one built on mentorship, gratitude and perseverance.
"It's been a blessing," Thomas said. "I'm so thankful for Troy through it all."
Troy was Thomas' first college offer, extended after a seven-on-seven camp early in his high school career. Back then, he was just a multi-sport athlete from Eufaula, Alabama, more focused on basketball than football. He couldn't have imagined that one day, after stops in the SEC at Mississippi State and Georgia, he would finish his college career where it all began — wearing a Trojan uniform.
"Troy was my first offer ever," Thomas said. "I came to a seven-on-seven camp up here, and Chip Lindsey offered me. It's crazy to think they were my first offer, and now I'm here."
That full-circle moment was shaped largely by Jerrell Jernigan, one of the most iconic names in Troy football history. A seven-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection and NFL veteran, Jernigan's name is etched across the program's record books. But to Thomas, he's much more than a legend — he's family.
"Jerrell's the reason I'm where I am today," Thomas said. "He took me under his wing when I was in high school. He was my assistant basketball coach, and after we lost the state championship my junior year, he asked if I wanted to play football. I told him no, but he signed me up for camps anyway. Once he did that, I knew I had to take it seriously."
That decision changed everything. With Jernigan's mentorship and encouragement, Thomas began to attract attention from college coaches, and soon his recruitment took off. His senior year brought offers from SEC programs such as Mississippi State and South Carolina.
Through the challenges of transitioning from high school to the SEC, Jernigan continued to be Thomas' anchor.
"When I first got to Mississippi State, I wanted to leave," Thomas said. "Moving away from home and figuring out college was overwhelming. I thought there would be no more me and Jerrell. But Jerrell called me every day. He was like my dad through it all."
Now in his final collegiate season, Thomas said playing at Troy isn't much different from his time in the SEC.
"Mississippi State and Georgia were big schools, but it's all the same at the end of the day," Thomas said. "I don't look at this receiver room any different. Our receivers can do the same thing — they have the potential and the skill set to play at the next level. We go out there and compete just the same."
Thomas now wears the same uniform Jernigan once did, chasing similar goals and continuing the legacy of Troy receivers who came before him.
"When I came to Troy, I wanted to break Jerrell's records," Thomas said with a smile.
Even if that doesn't happen, Thomas said he's thankful for the man who helped him get to this point. He knows he can call Jernigan anytime — and he already knows what that conversation would sound like.
"If I called Jerrell before a game, I'd probably cry," Thomas said. "I'd thank him for everything. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here. And he'd probably just tell me to stop crying and go play — that he loves me and to give it my all."
From his first college offer to his final college snaps, Thomas' journey represents a true full-circle moment — one built on mentorship, gratitude and perseverance.
"It's been a blessing," Thomas said. "I'm so thankful for Troy through it all."
Players Mentioned
WR
/ FootballTroy vs. Furman (Full Highlights)
Saturday, November 08
Players Postgame Press Conference (Furman)
Saturday, November 08
Scott Cross Postgame Press Conference (Furman)
Saturday, November 08
Josh Lauer Postmatch Press Conference - Southern Miss (Friday)
Saturday, November 08