Mike Thomas, a 5-foot-8 1/2 wide receiver from University of Arizona, became the first college prospect from outside the area to visit the Steelers today.

Thomas earned all-Pac 10 honors last season as a receiver and punt returner. He set the conference record with 259 career receptions and was timed at 4.30 in the 40-yard sprint at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

The Steelers, who lost No. 3 receiver Nate Washington in free agency, would like to draft a receiver with good speed who also could return punts and/or kickoffs for them.

Thomas is the first of 30 prospects the Steelers are permitted to entertain at their facility before the draft.