Former Ohio State star Michael Thomas is looking to break even more records in Year 2

“I mean, honestly, I was going for all the rookie records. I was going for all the NFL records. I kind of hit a speed bump.”

-Michael Thomas, via Mike Triplett, ESPN

The Ohio State product has continued letting his work speak for itself. (#Shhhh) But his rookie season has everyone else talking. He may have set three rookie receiving records for the New Orleans Saints, including receptions (92), receiving yards (1,137) and touchdowns (nine), but Thomas was aiming a bit higher.

He was sidelined for one game during the season, leaving him just shy of several league records for rookie receptions and receiving yards. Thomas is using this as motivation to make the most of his Year 2 campaign, that already has him as the No. 1 receiver for quarterback Drew Brees.

Thomas has always been known for his work habits, and things haven’t changed at the next level. He credits emulating Brees to help him getting accustomed to a routine, but the quarterback is just as appreciative of his younger teammate. With another offseason working together, Thomas will be able to add even more routes to an experienced offense.

“Jones made a couple of nice throws on a deep ball and a deep out that showed off his accuracy and arm strength.”

-Eric D. Williams, ESPN

In a new city, with a new team, quarterback Cardale Jones didn’t have much time between landing in Los Angeles and suiting up for training camp. The turnaround was so quick, that he was a little late taking the field, as he was trying to get one or two plays under his belt in order to practice.

There was a bunch of headlines last week about Jones being so happy to be traded to the Chargers, that he actually cried tears of joy. Hyperbole, or not, the quarterback hasn’t been shy about his admiration for Philip Rivers and his excitement about having the opportunity to learn from him.

Jones and Rivers have a short history together. The Buckeye trained with Rivers’ younger brother, Stephen, heading into the 2016 NFL Draft, and the elder Philip would visit and offer his two-cents every so often. This could be a really good opportunity for Cardale to start off the year as the No. 2 guy, which could eventually lead to the starting role once Rivers hangs up his cleats.

“If the opportunity comes, that’s something to definitely look into.”

-Boom Herron, via John Vargo, Tribune Chronicle

It’s been quite awhile since you’ve heard “BOOOOOOM” echo through a football stadium, and it looks like it might not happen again. The running back hasn’t been able to find a consistent landing spot since his playing time at Ohio State, and has bounced from team-to-team.

He spent the 2016 preseason bouncing from the Buffalo Bills to the Indianapolis Colts -- and back again -- but never landed on a roster for the regular season. Unlike his classmate, DeVier Posey, Herron hasn’t looked at a career in the CFL, and at this point isn’t eyeing a return to the NFL either.

After being waived for the last time, Herron moved back to his hometown and started a logistic business. For now, that’s where is focus lies, but as he said in the article above, “never say never”, about a return to the game he loves so much.

Quick Hits

• Terrelle Pryor Sr. may be hustling for a new contract in Washington, but he’s not above getting a helping hand from those a bit smaller than him.

• He’s not exactly the most talked about running back for the Dallas Cowboys out of Ohio State, but Rod Smith put in work during the Hall of Fame game Thursday to maybe earn himself a spot on the team’s final 53-man roster.