Sunday, July 21, 1996

Oilers' Rodney Thomas to get a challenge
By MICHAEL A. LUTZ
AP Sports Writer

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Running back Rodney Thomas has had the best rookie season with the Houston Oilers since Earl Campbell, but he didn't spend the off-season working on his most serious failing as a pro.

"You can't practice not fumbling," Thomas said. "You work on yourself mentally and the rest of that takes care of itself."

Thomas, a 1995 third-round selection out of Texas A&M, led the Oilers' rushers with 947 yards on 251 carries and five touchdowns and caught 34 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

It was the second best Oiler rookie running back performance behind Campbell's 1,450 yards in 1978. But Thomas' season was marred by fumbles as a runner and dropped passes as a receiver.
Now, he faces a new challenge.

Thomas (5-10, 213) started training camp on Saturday as the No. 1 running back. But he'll get a strong challenge from Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George (6-3, 237), who is bigger and possibly more suited for the Oilers' one-back alignment.

Just don't tell that to Thomas. He's ready to hold onto his starting job.

"The thing that's happened this year is I'm coming in with a year under my belt," Thomas said. "I know the system better and I'm going to be more adjusted to the game plan."

The Oilers also signed veteran Ronnie Harmon in another step toward improving their rushing production, which ranked No. 29 among the 30 NFL teams last season.

General manager Floyd Reese is proud of the Oilers' off-season acquisitions that included getting George signed and ready for the start of training camp from the beginning.

"He's (George's) fortunate to be able to start camp on day one, which gives him an opportunity to compete for the starting job," Reese said. "Rodney's not going down without a fight. No matter how it works out, all three are going to play."

Thomas said competition for the starting job won't affect their team approach.

"I want to play so there's going to be competition, that's how this game is played," Thomas said. "But we will definitely complement each other. He's a tremendous athlete and we'll work it out just fine."

Thomas already has worked with George in the Oilers' minicamps and expects aa strong challenge.
"The main thing I like about Eddie is his attitude," Thomas said. "He's such a hard worker. He's going to be a great addition to our team."