Aug 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive linesman Antonio Richardson (74), tight end Mychal Rivera (81), defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore (94) and Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Dallas Thomas (71) celebrate by holding up a SEC sign after defeating the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome. Tennessee won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports
Former Vols, who are now NFL rookies, have been well represented in OTA’s this spring so far.
There’s one former Vol however, that we’ve yet to see in action.
Offensive lineman Dallas Thomas, a third round draft pick of the Dolphins in April, sustained a torn labrum during Senior Bowl practice in January.
The shoulder had to be surgically repaired, causing Thomas to miss the draft combine and Tennessee’s pro-day.
According to Omar Kelly, who covers the Dolphins for the Sun-Sentinel, Thomas is not expected to be cleared for contact until at least mid-July, when training camp begins.
Prior to Thomas’ shoulder injury, some analysts had projected him as a first or second round draft pick. As it was he slid to the third round, where the Dolphins selected him. Miami lost their starting left tackle, Jake Long, in free agency this off-season.
It’s not clear yet what the Dolphins’ plans are for Thomas. He’s versatile enough to play at either guard, or tackle, as he did in college at Tennessee.
Regardless of Miami’s plans, fans will have to wait just a bit longer to see Thomas suited up in teal and a different shade of orange than he’s accustomed to wearing.
For more on former Vols in the NFL make sure to follow along on Twitter @Vols_Zach and @AllforTennessee