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Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. South Alabama Jaguars

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) reacts after a play during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football
Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) reacts after a play during an SEC football game between Tennessee and Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021.Kns Tennessee Ole Miss Football /
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Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas (21) exits the field after Tennessee’s 41-17 loss to Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.Kns Tennessee Georgia Football
Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas (21) exits the field after Tennessee’s 41-17 loss to Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.Kns Tennessee Georgia Football /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Defensive lineman. Omari Thomas. player. Sophomore. 2. 839

6’4″ 316 pounds

Jaylen McCollough partially made this list because of South Alabama’s issues when it comes to fumbling the ball. Their nine fumbles lost put them down at No. 116 in the nation at preventing fumbles. Well, Tennessee football isn’t the best at recovering fumbles, but they are capable of forcing them, and that’s where Omari Thomas comes in.

Thomas is still officially a second-team defensive tackle behind Elijah Simmons and Matthew Butler, and Butler is clearly the best defensive lineman on the team. However, Thomas has become a superstar at forcing fumbles specifically.

Last week against Georgia, Thomas forced four fumbles. He also had three tackles for a loss, which is another thing South Alabama is prone to. For the year, he has four tackles for a loss and a sack, and they have all come in the last three games he has played, against the Ole Miss Rebels along with Kentucky and UGA. He didn’t play against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

That sack was against Ole Miss and resulted in a safety. Add in two pass deflections, and Thomas is slowly but surely developing into an elite player. This could be the game where he bursts onto the scene, so watch out. UT needs to force a few fumbles, and Thomas could be their guy.

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