SEC Coverage

Marcus Thomas to play nose tackle

Attn Fields & J. Will: M.Thomas who cut off his dreads, signaling a new start, says he's put on more weight to play more like a true nose .

Marcus Thomas is thrilled the state attorney's office in Florida has decided not to pursue felony cocaine possession charges against him. Yet, the troubled former Florida star and current Denver Broncos' starting defensive tackle knows the court of public opinion is a different story.

"I know people are probably thinking that it's one thing after another with this guy," Thomas said Saturday. "I don't blame them. But I have to go show that that I am staying out of trouble and that I can be a productive player. That will be the only way to show people that I mean business."

Denver took Thomas in the fourth round of the 2007 draft after he was dismissed from the eventual BCS champion Florida Gator 2006 team after testing positive for marijuana use several times. Thomas stayed out of trouble as a rookie but he was arrested near his Jacksonville home in March for drug possession.

However, charges were dropped and then pursued against the driver of the vehicle Thomas was a passenger in. Both Thomas and the driver told arresting officers that the drugs, found in a compartment in between the driver and passenger seats in the driver's truck, were not in Thomas' possession.

"I know I didn't go anything wrong, but still it's not good," Thomas said. "I'm just glad I have the support of coach (Mike) Shanahan. I have to show him it's worth supporting me."

The Broncos took Thomas because they thought he had first-round talent and he became a starter during the season.