Honors finance graduate and current MBA student Nick Thomas was a leader for the Wayne State University football team last season, although he didn't play. Thomas, a senior linebacker, returns for the first time since October 2010 on Saturday when Wayne State opens the season at Ashland (Ohio). He missed last season with a knee injury. Thomas earned first-team All-GLIAC in 2010 based on his play in five games (41 tackles, four tackles for loss). He suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a win against Northern Michigan and missed the remainder of that season and 2011. When Thomas returned to scout team duty the week of the title game last season, he already had made an impact during the season. “He showed quite a bit," Warrior coach Paul Winters said. "Under tough circumstances, he never wilted or went into the background. He always stood up and led, and the players had so much respect for him. It's incredible." Photos of Thomas are included.