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Chad Thomas
Sophomore - DE - 6'5 265 - Miami, Fl (Booker T. Washington H.S.)
Saw action in 12 games last year but recorded just 7 tackles and 1 TFL.
Former 5 star talent, who picked Miami over Alabama and FSU among others.
Despite a quiet freshman campaign, word out of spring camp was that Thomas as improving and even taking on something of a leadership role.
Miami’s Chad Thomas remains confident despite freshman struggles http://t.co/l02x0BfKe1 http://t.co/dBsrbUGOZB
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) December 18, 2014
Physically, he came to UM ready to play.
But can he make the mental adjustments in order to be a force in the ACC?
Summary: When he did see PT last season, Thomas did appear pretty stout at the point of attack. He did not however, display the immediate explosiveness 'Canes fans had hoped for. In fairness, he was a true freshman, and his time on the field was sporadic. In 2015 though, the Miami defense is starved for some big time play makers, and Thomas needs to be one of them. Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyriq McCord, and Demetrius Jackson among others will also compete for the role of dominant edge rusher. But Thomas has as much if not more talent than any defensive player on the roster. It would be hard to imagine another season where CT is shut out on sacks. Even if he doesn't dominate the snaps, this staff should be able to coax at least 5-6 sacks out of Thomas, not to mention a few tackles for loss and turnovers forced. If he reaches his full potential he has as good a chance of any defender on the roster to exceed that and become a phenomenal all conference type performer.
Stay tuned for more player profiles from SOTU as we count down to kick off.