Duane “Speedy” Thomas Jr. ready to showcase versatility for UCF

When UCF takes the field later this month, one of the Knights’ most dynamic new weapons may be a receiver who’s already earned a reputation for living up to his nickname.

Duane “Speedy” Thomas Jr., a Miami native who transferred from Charlotte, has quickly become one of the most talked-about playmakers since his arrival this past spring. At 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, Thomas brings quickness, versatility and energy to a wide receiver room that was essentially rebuilt this offseason.

“It’s been amazing,” Thomas said. “I really like that the team is becoming a family at the right time. In the spring, we were still getting to know each other. But after summer workouts and now camp, the chemistry has grown a lot. We’ve gotten a lot closer.”

Back home in Florida

Thomas began his career at Charlotte, where he showed promise as a freshman in 2023 with 24 catches for 244 yards. His production slipped the following year, but the opportunity to return home and step into a bigger role at UCF has reinvigorated his career.

“Being from Miami, it’s exhilarating to play at UCF in the Big 12,” Thomas said. “Family’s closer, friends are closer, and everybody knows UCF. I’ve been ready to go since the spring. I know what I’m capable of.”

A Wan’Dale Robinson comparison

Naturally suited for the slot, Thomas has drawn comparisons from UCF coaches to Wan’Dale Robinson, the former Nebraska and Kentucky star now with the New York Giants. Both Scott Frost and Sean Beckton coached Robinson at Nebraska, and they see similar traits in Thomas.

“That twitch, that playmaking ability, that’s what I’ve always done,” Thomas said. “I can make guys miss and make plays downfield. That’s what I’m going to keep doing.”

Though his size and style evoke Robinson, Thomas is being used in a variety of ways this preseason- inside, outside, and even in the backfield on jet sweeps and reverses.

“My role is really just being versatile,” Thomas said. “Getting the ball in space, being able to do everything. I think that’s the biggest part of being in this offense.”

That versatility extends to special teams, where Thomas is also expected to contribute as a returner.

“Coach Pete (Alamar) has been amazing,” Thomas said. “He coaches every little detail, like how you look the ball in, where your feet should be. I think I’ve become a better returner because of him.”

New WR corps

Thomas has also stepped into a leadership role for a wide receiver unit full of transfers and underclassmen. He’s quick to praise teammates such as DJ Black, Marcus Burke, and summer transfer newcomer Chris Domercant, who he says has impressed with his work ethic and football IQ.

“CD calls me and says, ‘Hey bro, you want to get some catches?’ That’s the kind of guy he is,” Thomas said. “As a group, we’ve taken big strides. We’re fast, explosive, and everybody’s cheering for each other.”

Beckton has been instrumental in pushing Thomas to refine his game.

“You can make the best catch in the world, but he’ll coach you on how you came off the ball or attacked leverage,” Thomas said. “He’s big on the details, and he just wants everyone to get better.”

Ready to prove it

Thomas embraces the chip on the shoulder that comes with being part of a wide receiver group built largely from transfers.

“We see the media, we’re on Twitter and Instagram. We know people are watching to see if we can play at this level,” Thomas said. “We talk about it all the time. We’re ready to prove we can play ball too.”

As for his personal goals, Thomas says he wants to be a leader, but most importantly, to help UCF compete for a Big 12 title.

“For the team, I want to win the conference. We have a great chance,” Thomas said. “Individually, I’d love to win awards, but really it’s about the team right now. We’ve made so much progress. We’re just ready to go out there and execute.”

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