Asking any NFL player to fill the shoes of Troy Polamalu is a hefty task, but requiring those responsibilities of a third-year player who saw just three defensive snaps last season makes the request seem even more monumental.
Nevertheless that is what the Pittsburgh Steelers will ask of Shamarko Thomas this season, and while no one expects him to replicate the impact of Polamalu in his prime, the Syracuse safety will likely be given plenty of opportunity in Keith Butler’s defense this season. Given Thomas’ expanding role, I thought it would be helpful to revisit his college tape and recall what the hard-hitting safety’s strengths and weaknesses were coming into the NFL.