Oklahoma star defensive linemen makes NFL Draft decision

The Oklahoma Sooners finally received some positive news with the hiring of former Clemson defensive coordinator and assistant head coach as the heir to Lincoln Riley. But on Friday, one of the staples of the Sooners’ defense announced he was headed for the NFL, forgoing his final year of eligibility in Norman.

Defensive linemen Isaiah Thomas has ended his 5-year career in Norman. In back-to-back seasons, the 6-foot-5, 266-pound linemen has thrived. He closes out the 2021 campaign with 38 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles a fumble recovery and four pass breakups.

“First and foremost I would like to thank God for allowing me to play the game that I love at such an elite stage of college football,” Thomas wrote in a social media post published Friday afternoon. “It has always been a dream of mine to play here at the University of Oklahoma and compete with the best.

“I want to thank you Sooner Nation for the best 5 years a student athlete could ask for. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms and giving me memories that I will forever cherish.”

Finally, Isaiah Thomas– who didn’t hold back in calling out former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley on social media last week–excluded the now USC front man as he thanked the coaching staff, despite having played under him for most of his career in Norman.

“Thank you to Cach Bob Stoops for gibing this kid with a dream a scholarship and thank you Coach Thibbs and Coach Cain for molding me into the player I am today,” Isaiah Thomas wrote.

The Oklahoma defensive standout then thanked his family, before dropping more negative news as the Sooners attempt to prepare for their Bowl game vs. an Oregon team with its own issues, as Mario Cristobal departed for the Miami job in a surprising move.

“With that said, I decided to opt out of the Bowl game and forego my last year of eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft,” Thomas concluded, before closing out with “forever a Sooner.”

The Oklahoma Sooners can’t replace the production Thomas would bring to the matchup vs Oregon but will have to find ways to replicate his role to stay competitive.