JCSU free safety takes lead in NCAA interceptions

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Carlo Thomas is looking for takeaways.

The J.C. Smith free safety leads all NCAA football divisions with 12 interceptions, including nine over the last three games – all Golden Bulls (4-5, 3-1 CIAA South) wins. He picked off a school-record four passes against Fayetteville State Oct. 17, returning a pair for touchdowns. His previous high for interceptions in a game was two.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Thomas, a sophomore from East Orange, N.J., who is third among Golden Bulls with 47 tackles, averages 22.7 yards on kick returns and has a touchdown catch on offense. “It’s coming from hard work. Me and my team are playing hard, and I’m still making big plays, so I keep planning on making big plays.”

Thomas’ range and instincts made an immediate impact on J.C. Smith’s defense, which leads the CIAA with 21 interceptions and six returns for touchdowns. The Golden Bulls, who play rival Livingstone (4-3, 3-1 CIAA South) Saturday in the Commemorative Classic, allow an average of 22.4 points per game compared with 32.9 in 2014. They’ve held the last three opponents combined to 33 points.

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