Ted Roof ‘Very, Very, Very Pleased’ with Oklahoma True Freshman R Mason Thomas

NORMAN — Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas was the primary true freshman to see any recreation motion throughout Saturday’s win over UTEP.

Perhaps everybody ought to have seen it coming.

After rave offseason critiques, Thomas made essentially the most of his first discipline time in motion in opposition to the Miners. Whereas rotating out and in, he accounted for 2 whole tackles and teamed up with Reggie Grimes for an enormous quarterback sack.

Thomas is simply 18 years outdated, however his work ethic and drive stretch far past age. The coaches seen his development this summer time and rewarded him with alternatives. If he continues to develop with the identical mindset, his profession in Norman may find yourself being a particular one.

“We’re very, very, very happy,” defensive coordinator Ted Roof mentioned about his younger edge rusher. “He simply turned 18 years outdated when the season began, reported right here as a 17-year-old freshman. His maturity, and he is obtained like an outdated soul. You understand, he is put a number of work and he is approached it in a really mature method.”

Not solely has the Fort Lauderdale, FL, product impressed the teaching workers, however he’s additionally made fairly the impression on his teammates, too. Even the veteran leaders have taken discover of Thomas’ expertise and potential, and perceive he may even present instant assist.

“I really like Mase to dying,” Grimes mentioned. “He at all times involves work with a lunch pail mentality. He’s a blue-collar sort of child and once more, I really like him. He’s a hell of a ball participant, hell of a cross rusher. He’s actually fast, actually twitchy. And I can’t wait to see not solely what this 12 months holds however what his future holds.”

One other teammate, linebacker Danny Stutsman, praised Thomas whereas additionally giving him a tough time about his identify and his youth.

“That boy Randall can actually play, man,” Stutsman mentioned Saturday evening. “He’s an exceptional participant. He’s younger. He’s like 14 or 15. However he’s going to do nice issues right here. I’m excited, that’s our Florida boy. I’m excited to see what he does.”

Thomas’ place on the depth chart was one thing that originally stood out. However teammate Ethan Downs gave the media a tip heading into recreation week.

“I’m telling you, R Mason is somebody you’ve obtained to maintain in your radar,” Downs mentioned. “He’s the quickest dude within the room proper now. He got here in, he was 17 years outdated only a week in the past, and he’s sooner than the entire D-ends. He picked up the playbook like that. He’s simply agile, he’s one of many lightest dudes within the room and he’s one of many hardest dudes within the room, simply having the ability to use leverage, method. He was throwing round guys which might be practically 100 kilos heavier than him.”

Once more, if Thomas is prepared and capable of contribute instantly as an 18-year-old, his ceiling has no restrict.

“What’s he going to be when he’s obtained some weight on him, some expertise, some confidence?” Downs requested. “R Mason’s going to be a dude. I’m going to be stunned if he’s not out of right here (for the NFL) in three years.”

Thomas was a late recruiting add for Venables and a gem to search out so late within the course of. In keeping with 247Sports, Thomas was a 3-star prospect and the No. 22 edge recruit within the nation. As soon as recruits step on campus, although, stars imply nothing, and Thomas is proving that.

Oklahoma followers would possibly get used to seeing Thomas within the opposing workforce’s backfield. In highschool, he amassed 36 tackles for loss and 19 sacks over his two state championship campaigns. The attention-popping numbers ought to’ve been a transparent signal that Thomas was underrated.

Now in Norman, the teaching workers is thrilled to have the 6-foot-2, 222-pound pressure coming off the sting. It’s clear that Thomas can have a task on the sector for the Sooners this season, however his true potential down the road could possibly be exponentially larger than simply receiving taking part in time. He has an opportunity to be dominant.

“I believe he noticed the outcomes that he will be an excellent soccer participant if continues to strategy the sport like he does proper now,” Roof mentioned with a smile. “However he is obtained an exquisite perspective, an exquisite perspective, an amazing work ethic and I’m actually happy.”