By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Now starting his sixth year at Emporia State, former Topeka High standout Corey Thomas is in no hurry to leave a football program he loves.
Former Topeka High standout Corey Thomas returns for Emporia State after leading the Hornets in receiving a year ago. [Photo by Emporia State Athletics]
In fact, it will be several months before the 5-foot-10, 185-pound wide receiver and two-year Hornet team captain makes a final decision on when that departure will come.
Thomas, the Hornets' leading receiver last season, is taking advantage of the extra year of elibility he was granted due to COVID and if he so chooses could return in 2023 for a seventh season due to a season-ending injury in '19 after just three games.
"I'm still about 50-50 on it,'' said Thomas about the possibility of coming back in '23. "I'm entering this year as a senior. I'm going through Senior Day and stuff just in case but it will be an after the season decision for sure.
"Life's coming quick, I'm 23 now, so I've just got some decisions to make after the season.''
Thomas, an All-City quarterback at Topeka High, caught 44 passes for 501 yards and four touchdowns last season for the 6-6 Hornets, earning All-MIAA honorable mention.
Emporia State coach Garin Higgins said that when Thomas is healthy he's among the top receivers in the MIAA.
"He's as good as there is, there's no question,'' Higgins said. "He's been here a long time, he's a veteran and time flies. I remember when he was just coming in as a freshman. He was one of our early commits that we had six years ago and Corey's a guy that if you get him in space he can make plays.
"He's tough, physical and he loves the game of football.''
Now Thomas is eager to see what he and ESU can accomplish this fall, beginning with Thursday's season-opener against Northeastern State at Welch Stadium (7 p.m. kickoff).
"I'm just focused on the team,'' Thomas said. "We just want wins and I just want to be a part of that somehow. Whatever I can do to just do my job and make plays to win games, I'll do that.
"I'm looking for a big year for sure but more importantly we're looking for a big year and a good season.''
Thomas, who has already earned his bachelor's degree in business management and is working on his master's degree, is proud of the career he's been able to carve out at Emporia State.
"I feel good about it,'' he said. "Being a grown man at this point, being 23 and playing so long, you realize it's not really about football it's about the relationships you build and the chemistry you have with the guys and the memories that you'll have forever.
"I don't really worry about the injuries because through the adversity it's made me a better person and a better man so I've loved it, I've loved my career.''
