South Alabama tight end/H-back DJ Thomas-Jones is among the most versatile and unique offensive weapons in the 2025 NFL Draft. Thomas-Jones pairs capabilities in the passing game with backfield flexibility, having played an alignment-versatile role. He’s the definition of a do-it-all, selfless prospect.
Thomas-Jones recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Thomas-Jones discussed transferring from Ole Miss to South Alabama to take care of his ailing mother, playing a unique role on offense, and so much more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Ole Miss to South Alabama?
DJ Thomas-Jones: I was very thankful for the opportunity. A lot of people don’t know that while I was in Mississippi, I was traveling back home every weekend to take care of my mother. She was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. From there, they were worried she was at high risk to develop some type of cancer.
For South Alabama to give me the opportunity to play at home while taking care of my mom, I found a way to take care of my family while still doing what I love, and that’s playing football. I’m forever thankful.
JM: You made a selfless decision. You were born in Mobile, Alabama. You decided to enter the portal and prioritize playing close to your ailing mother. It says a lot about your character.
DJ Thomas-Jones: That was definitely my top priority. To be honest with you, I didn’t really think about anything else. My only priority was to play close enough to home to take care of my mother. I prayed on it. God, if football is for me, please help me find a way to do both.
God helped me make the right decision. I ended up exactly where I wanted to be, and that was at South Alabama. I’m so thankful.
JM: It worked out beautifully for you on the field. You had 11 touchdowns in three seasons at South Alabama. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to find the end zone so consistently?
DJ Thomas-Jones: Honestly, what really helped me find success in the passing game is my ability to mold and transform my game. Whatever the team needs from me, I’m able to become a specialist in that area.
If they needed me to block in-line, I got it done. If I need to sell the block and leak out to the flat in the passing game, I got that done as well. My versatility to adapt to the needs of our offense was on full display this season. I made things happen both with and without the ball in my hands.
That’s what made me an effective player. That mindset and approach gave me opportunities to maximize my output when the ball was in my hands.
JM: We see that on tape. Despite the TD production, I can't help but feel there's a little untapped potential for you in the passing game. I think there’s more opportunity for you as a pass catcher. Would you agree with that?
DJ Thomas-Jones: I would, yes. The offense that we ran at South Alabama, we started out kinda aggressive, but we kinda evolved as the season went by. As those things progressed, we dialed back the tight end role and they put me in a H-back/fullback role. I was asked to block more downhill.
If you sit back and watch my film, you’ll see my ability to flex out into the slot. You can even put me on the boundary. I’m too strong for cornerbacks, and I’m too fast for linebackers in coverage. I create mismatches in the passing game. I can open up different passing lanes both inside and outside.
I believe I can run any route at a high level. I don’t like to put limits on myself. If you show me how to do something one time, I promise you I’m going to master it. I’ve always been that type of player.
JM: Because your role was so unique, playing in the backfield as you said, I’m curious who you’d compare yourself to at the next level. From a play style perspective, do you feel you shine as an in-line player?
DJ Thomas-Jones: I’m a realist. I honestly feel like this past season, I had to really sit down and analyze my own film. I watched film on my junior and sophomore years and began asking myself what I could do better.
What could I do to become a more complete player? I wanted to be known as somebody who can run routes and create yards in the open field with the ball in my hands.
I also feel like I really grew as an in-line player this past season. I was able to put my hand in the dirt and do different things that were asked of me as a blocker. I feel comfortable doing that.
I always felt like I shined as an off-ball player in space, but I wanted to become one of those guys who could also put his hand in the dirt. I can get it done in the trenches. This past season really showed that.
JM: Do you expect to continue playing a unique role at the next level? Like you said, there’s a little H-back/fullback flexibility to your game.
DJ Thomas-Jones: The goal is to continue playing that do-it-all role for an NFL offense. I’m a selfless person and player at the end of the day. Whatever that role is, whether it’s fullback or tight end, I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team.
I’m going to make the main thing the main thing. Whatever I can do to help, don’t hesitate to call my number. I’m more than willing.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. In closing, why should a team use one of their 2025 draft picks on DJ Thomas-Jones?
DJ Thomas-Jones: I’m going to show up every single day ready to put my best foot forward. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. There’s no task too small or too big for me. I’m going to work my ass off.
I’m so appreciative to The Draft Network for having this conversation with me. I feel very blessed. Thank you.
