A distinguished football player at Frederick High School and Morgan College, Clarence “Motts” Thomas was presented with the Unsung Lineman Award in college for his quickness and aggressive play. As head coach of Bowie State in 1975, he led his team to being recognized as Maryland College Team of the Year. He moved on to Williams College, but returned to his alma mater in 1979 by the Washington Touchdown Club and then coached at Pomona College in California. Thomas authored several articles for professional journals.