Not many football players from NCAA Division III football receive the opportunity to play football professionally, let alone on the world's biggest stage. Former Blue Streak defensive end Jimmy Thomas, he has been given his chance.

Thomas has received an invite from the Arizona Cardinals to participate in their rookie minicamp which takes place from May 10-12 in Tempe, Arizona.

"It is a blessing to hear I was going to Arizona. When I did not get a call after the draft, it was heartbreaking," Thomas said when describing the phone call that he would be heading to the Cardinals. "Even though I did not get the phone call over the weekend, I came right back here on Monday and was working out with strength and conditioning coach Tim Robertson.

"My father always told me, God decides who wins and losses. I kept my faith," Thomas said.

"The Cardinals are getting a tough and relentless competitor. He brought that every day to work whether it was practice or a game," John Carroll defensive line coach Jeff Long said. "He will make the most of every opportunity he gets and will work hard to make sure he continues to get those opportunities."

Long has coached Thomas over the last two seasons, developing a close bond and a close eye with JCU's most disruptive pass rushers.

"Jimmy has the athleticism and fluidity to rush the passer off the edge as well as the toughness to be stout against the run," Long said. "He is a phenomenal athlete who takes pride in being conditioned and prepared to play snaps at any situation in a game. Run, pass, he will find a way to make a play."

To say Thomas — who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 245 pounds — will be a small fish in a big pond would be a fair statement. He will be joining Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray (5-foot-10, 207 pounds) in Arizona. Thomas will also be in the same position group as Boston College defensive end Zach Allen (6-foot-4 and 281 pounds) and Temple defensive end Michael Dogbe (6-foot-3, 284 pounds) over the course of three-days. Although the competition is strong, Thomas fits right in with the elite talent in the NFL.

"I know that they see me as smaller, but I am not going to let anything get in the way. Height, weight, no matter what, I am going to give it my all," Thomas said. As the opportunity has presented itself, he has the right mindset with minicamp starting in a little over a week."

Long feels size will be no issue for Thomas in the NFL. "Being 6-2 in height with that frame allows him to possibly fit in multiple positions. Size is a huge part of the NFL and their roster building process," said Long. "But as a competitor I know Jimmy will not back down from any challenger no matter the size."

In his senior year, Thomas put an exclamation point on an already tremendous career at Carroll. His 13.5 sacks last season is the second most in single-season in school history and he was named OAC Defensive Lineman of the Year for his performance. He made his mark on the JCU record books, finishing second all-time in quarterback sacks (31.0) and fourth all-time in tackles for loss (43.0)

Not only was Thomas appropriately regionally recognized (D3Football.com 1st Team All-American) he was honored nationally too. Thomas was named second team All-American, finishing seventh in the nation in sacks per game. His career as a Blue Streak and the impact he has had on the program is why the NFL came calling. And playing a Blue and Gold has impacted Thomas too.

"John Carroll has helped me a lot to get to this point. They have pushed me ever since I told them I wanted to be an All-American. The hard work pays off. I am excited for the opportunity to compete and get my name out there. I know that being a D3 guy that I am going to have to give extra. Showing up early, leaving late. Making sure they remember who I am. I am blessed for the opportunity but now I have to crush this chance."