FRISCO, Texas – Lamar University sophomore receiver and return specialist, Blake Thomas, has been named Southland Conference Special Teams Player of the Week announced league officials Monday morning. Prior to the conference announcement, it was released that Thomas has also been named STATS Perform National Special Teams Player of the Week. It marks the first time in Thomas' career that he has received either of the superlative honors.
 
It marks the fifth time this season that a Cardinal has received a player of the week honor and the 24^th time under head coach Pete Rossomando that a Cardinal has receive the honor with 17 of those coming on special teams. Thomas also becomes the third STATS Perform National Player of the Week selection under Rossomando.
 
Thomas received the award for his efforts in helping Lamar hand UT Rio Grande Valley its first home loss in program history. The 13^th-ranked Cardinals rolled into Edinburg Saturday and defeated the Vaqueros, 52-23. The 52 points are the most surrendered by UTRGV in Edinburg and it was also the first time the Vaqueros had trailed at halftime in a home game.
 
Thomas returned four kicks for 169 yards averaging nearly 43 yards per return (42.3 ypr), but it was his return to open the second half that caught everyone's attention. After UTRGV mounted a drive to trim the lead to close out the half, which appeared to steal back the game's momentum, Thomas turned back the tide with a 97-yard return for a score to open the half and give the Cardinals a 28-9 advantage which it would not surrender.
 
Just for good measure, the Houston, Texas native added four catches for 29 yards and two carries for nine.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday when they host league-leading Stephen F. Austin. The game against the Lumberjacks is set for a 3 p.m. kick off from Provost Umphrey Stadium. It will be broadcast on Newstalk 560 and streamed live on ESPN+.