Villanova switches Thomas to wide receiver

Mar 18, 2012 - 10:14 AM Villanova, PA (Sports Network) - When Villanova's football program begins its spring practices on Monday, last year's season-opening quarterback will line up as a wide receiver.

The Wildcats are moving Dustin Thomas to the new position while Chris Polony and John Robertson battle for the No. 1 spot at quarterback.

The 6-foot, 200-pound Thomas, who will be a redshirt sophomore this season, was the starting quarterback for the first two games last season, but struggled as the Wildcats began a 2-9 season. He suffered a shoulder injury and played in five games.

"We felt with what we saw with the two young guys (Polony and Robertson) that they might be the guys we want to build with and Dustin has a lot of speed and is a really good athlete and I think can help us at wideout," Villanova coach Andy Talley said.