Indiana junior tight end Austin Dorris recalls last season when Thomas, now forging a NFL career with the Carolina Panthers, had to carry perhaps too much of the load at the position.
And Dorris prefers the current situation where the Hoosiers have more candidates ready to share snaps.
"It's good to see more than just one guy out there," Dorris said after Monday's practice. "Last year, we'd have Ian coming off the field toasted because he'd been out there for four straight quarters.
"So, yeah, it definitely gives you a level of confidence that you're not going to have 90 plays a game where you can have a good 20-to-30 range where you're going to be full-speed, fresh-mind out there.