OL/DL Aurealius “Reedy” Thomas (1957 All American, National Champion, CFB HOF, R.I.P.)

[BB73]

Aurealius Thomas was a two-way lineman that was an first-team All American during the 1957 National Championship season.

He was elected to the College Football HOF in 1989.

cf.hof

Aurealius Thomas

Position: Guard
School: Ohio State
High School: Columbus, OH (West HS)
Years: 1955-1957
Inducted: 1989
Place of Birth: Muskogee, OK
Date of Birth: 4/6/1934
Jersey Number: 64
Height: 6-1
Weight: 202

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Member Biography

On offense he played in the line as a blocker. On defense he was a middle guard, sometimes a linebacker. He wasn't big. Only 202 pounds. But Ohio State's Aurealius Thomas played big enough to make the All-America team at guard in 1957. He lacked size but had tremendous technique as a blocker and mobility as a tackler. In his senior year, 1957, he averaged 52 minutes a game in playing time. He was always able to out- manoeuvre opponents who were bigger. After graduation, Thomas taught and coached seven years. In the first year he was an assistant on the Woody Hayes staff at Ohio State. Then he coached East High School in Columbus. His last team at East, in 1964, had a 9-0 record. He left coaching as a winner and started a career with New York Life Insurance. After 16 years, he left to start his own insurance brokerage in Columbus, Ohio. Thomas had a long list of credits for community service - past president, Columbus Recreation Board; adviser, Small Business Group for Southern Ohio; trustee, Ohio State Varsity "0" Association; trustee, Ohio State University Student Loan Foundation; president, Columbus Leadership Conference; volunteer agent, United Negro College Fund.​

 

[Buckskin86]

tBBC HOF:Aurelius Thomas

 

[ORD_Buckeye]

Wish I could start his official thread under better circumstances, but a legendary Buckeye and member of the 1957 National Championship team has passed away at the age of 86. It's funny that the history of THEE Ohio State University is so rich that a man that most schools would constantly celebrate falls through the cracks with us. Well, no more. Godspeed, Aurealius Thomas.

https://www.10tv.com/article/sports...e-86/530-7545d310-7280-487f-aa6f-544328da4800

Thomas lettered for the Buckeyes in 1955, 1956 and 1957 and played for two national championship teams.

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining Ohio State as an assistant coach in 1958.

He also taught science and physical education in Columbus City Schools.

Thomas coached high school football for six years - four at Columbus East and two at Columbus Central.

He earned the title of Central Ohio Coach of the Year in 1964 for leading Columbus East to a 9-0 record.

Thomas also helped 40 students earn college scholarships during his time as a teacher and a coach.

After he retired from the classroom and the gridiron, Thomas worked in the insurance business.

Thomas was also a member of many groups and organizations to give back to the community including the Varsity “O” Alumni Association, the Ohio State University Student Loan Foundation, the Columbus Recreation Board, the United Negro College Fund and the Columbus Leadership Conference.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Ohio State Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.

He is survived by his former wife, Nancy, a daughter, Leah Marshall, and sons Marcus Thomas and Scott Thomas. He had seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

 

[BB73]

I’ll dig for his thread, the search function has an issue lately.

 

[ORD_Buckeye]

I’ll dig for his thread, the search function has an issue lately.

I tried. Searched his first and last names. Merge when if you can.

 

[brodybuck21]