A physical veteran linebacker... Enters preseason camp as the back-up at K-State’s weak-side linebacker spot... Expected to push for starting duties.

2003 (Junior): Saw action in all 15 games, primarily on special teams and as a reserve outside linebacker... Credited with six tackles on the year... Collected his first career interception at Iowa State (11/8)... Made just one tackle at Nebraska (11/15), but it went for a six-yard sack... Had two solo stops and blocked a punt against McNeese State (9/6).

2002 (Sophomore): Played in all 13 games... Credited with 28 total tackles (13 solo)... Had five-tackle outings vs. Western Kentucky (8/31),  Louisiana-Monroe (9/7), at Kansas (11/2) and at Missouri (11/23)... Credited with a pass break-up... Recovered a blocked punt vs. Oklahoma State (10/12).

2001 (Redshirt Freshman): Credited with four tackles in nine games as a reserve linebacker and on special teams... Had three tackles vs. New Mexico State (9/22).

2000 (Freshman): Redshirt season.

Dunbar HS: A three-year starter... Received All-District 9-4A honors three times... Sophomore of the Year in the conference in 1997... All-state selection in 1999... PrepStar All-American... Top 100 Texas and Area recruit by Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram... Rushed for 1,259 yards on 168 caries as a senior, adding nearly 500 more rushing yards in two playoff game... Scored 22 touchdowns for 10-2 team that was a state 4A semifinalist... Had 33 tackles, including five sacks on defense in 1999... Had 95 tackles as a junior in 1998, earning all-district honors at linebacker... High school coach was Bob Jones... Also lettered three times in track... 1999 district long jump champion.

Personal: Born Aug. 3, 1982... Parents are Maurice and Mary Thurmond... Brother,  Roderick, played at Texas Tech and brother, Tedrick, played at Texas A&M-Commerce.