Derrick Thomas was a natural athlete and a great player, even as a freshman. He came onto the scene in the Kickoff Classic, chasing the ball all over the field against highly regarded (of course) Ohio State..
With the entire nation watching, Thomas screwed up the celebration by extending the game after it appeared Alabama had won. The game ended only after Ohio State's last hopes ended without a score (at the Crimson Tide's 18-yard line); they got 2 extra plays with no time left when LB Derrick Thomas was called for pass interference on successive plays.
It hardly mattered.