Omari Thomas announces return to Tennessee
Tennessee honored multiple seniors for the home finale against Vanderbilt, but 17 of those 20 were eligible to return to college football for another season, if they so chose, due to the NCAA’s COVID eligibility waiver. Moments ago, veteran defensive lineman Omari Thomas announced his intentions to return to Rocky Top for one more season.
Thomas has been a vital part of the Tennessee defensive line over the course of his career on Rocky Top. As a freshman in 2020, he saw action in all ten of Tennessee’s game during the COVID season.
Since then, Thomas has continued to grow and develop even more under the tutelage of Rodney Garner over the last three seasons as a starter along the front. He has seen a persistent uptick in production on an improving defensive line unit.
Thomas totaled 88 tackles, 11 TFLs, and 4 sacks over the last four seasons. He was a pre-season SEC All-American coming into the 2023 season.
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What Thomas Said Leading Into the Decision
“Hopefully they can see me as a person they can look at who always gave his best and who always wanted what was best for Tennessee – not necessary for himself,” Thomas answered when asked how he wants fans to remember him if this is his last ride. “I’m [wanting people to see] I put the team before me. I’m big into friendships and relationships. I’ve been able to do that here, so that’s something that can continue whether I’m here or not.”
Defensive Line Outlook for 2024
Tennessee’s defensive line unit has continued to be productive and make plays in the backfield over the last two seasons. The Vols’ staff has worked to build the trenches on the defensive side of the football, and there continues to be a nice outlook in Rodney Garner’s room. As it stands, Daevin Hobbs, Tyre West, Tyree Weathersby, Nathan Robinson, Trevor Duncan, Jayson Jenkins, and Dominic Bailey, are set to be joined by Kellen Lindstrom, Jeremias Heard, and Carson Gentle as a key group of young contributors.
