Thomas attended Walton High School in Marietta, Georgia. Thomas was ranked as the 26th prospect from the state of Georgia and was the 27th prospect at the outside linebacker position by Rivals.com.[2] Thomas was also named to the All-Southeast Region for the Class of 2008 by PrepStar.[2] He played in the Under Armour All-America Game after his senior season in high school.[2] Thomas earned first-team all-state honors and was named the Cobb County Defensive Player of the Year following his outstanding Junior season with 82 tackles, 10 sacks and a fumble recovery.[2]