Following his public announcement on Tuesday, Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas is set to return to the Vols. Omari, along with James Pearce Jr. and others, was an important part of Tennessee’s defensive line system. He will be entering his final year of eligibility with the Vols as he completes his senior year.
Thomas is a defensive lineman from Memphis, Tennessee, who stands around 6’4 and weighs 320 pounds. He is a physical force up front. He has academic honors throughout his career, including membership on the 2022-2023 SEC Football Leadership Council and the 2021 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Tennessee has already lost some defensive players due to various reasons, including Jaylen McCollough, Warren Burrell, Aaron Beasley, Jack Luttrell, Tamarion McDonald, Tyler Baron, and others, so this is a huge boost for the Volunteers and Tim Banks. He has had a strong season thus far, with 31 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, and one sack. Since the 2020 season, he has been a multi-year starter and contributor for the Volunteers.
Without Baron, the defensive line will look different next season, but many expect the defensive line starters to look similar, especially now that Omari has decided to return. Incoming freshmen Jordan Ross, Kellen Lindstrom, Carson Gentle, and Jeremiah Heard will also join the Vols. Chandavian Bradley, Caleb Herring, Daevin Hobbs, Tyree Weathersby, and Nathan Robinson are also current true freshmen.
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