Although Eric Thomas has called Troy home since 2010, nothing compares to his home state of Louisiana.

Thomas, a senior wide receiver from Shreveport, leads a high-powered Trojan offense in to a huge Sun Belt Conference game against Louisiana-Lafayette Thursday night. Thomas’ hometown is over three hours away from Lafayette, but he says he can’t help getting excited playing in his home state.

“It’s always good just being in Louisiana, I’m not even from down that way but it’s just something about going down to Louisiana,” Thomas said.

Thomas starred at Evangel Christian School in his high school days, and was named to the Louisiana All-State First Team in 2009. During his senior campaign in high school, Thomas hauled in 105 passes for 1,553 yards and 28 touchdowns. His team also won the state championship.

Thomas sees Louisiana-Lafayette as bit of a personal rivalry. Thomas has only been on one team that beat ULL, and he wants at least one more before moving on to the next stage of his career.

“We have only beat them once and that was my freshmen year,” Thomas said. “So we we’ve got to go down and get this victory since it’s my last year. And this will put us back in the conference race with a victory.”

Thomas is the Trojans top receiver in 2013. He has reeled in 48 passes for 742 yards and 10 touchdowns. Thomas averages over 15 yards per reception.

Troy is averaging over 335 yards passing per game, and Thomas feels the team can continue the success through the air.

“I believe we can pass the ball against anyone,” Thomas Said. “You know whatever play is called we’ve just got to execute it, give Corey (Robinson, Troy quarterback) enough time back there to throw it. And as receivers we’ve just got to get open.”

Troy travels to Sun Belt leader Louisiana-Lafayette Thursday.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Cajun Field. The game can be seen live on ESPNU.