:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49782343/usa-today-8866797.0.jpg)
Chad Thomas
DE - 6'6 265 Junior - Miami, Fl
2015 Key Stats: 18 tackles, 1 sack, 1.5 TFL, 4 pass break ups
Former Under Armour All-American was one of the most sought after players in the country coming out of H.S.
Fast "twitchy" athlete, who gets off the ball in a heartbeat:
Showed small flashes of his abilities as a sophomore, but needs much, much more consistency.
Will likely benefit from all kinds of coaching from new D Line mentor Craig Kuligowski, (improvement already tangible):
Miami Hurricane DL #9 Chad Thomas during yesterdays scrimmage. #Canescrimmage pic.twitter.com/edTpe1DRK4
— FOOTBALLVILLE (@FOOTBALLVILLETV) April 10, 2016
#Miami DE Chad Thomas looks terrific today. Solid against run, and getting after the QB. #Canes scrimmage
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) April 9, 2016
Summary: Thomas was banged up a few times last year, and also shared many of his snaps, so I will give him a very slight pass for 2015. Nonetheless given his incredible natural ability, he should have done a lot more. Thomas has a enough size and strength to hold his ground against the run, and more than enough explosiveness to get in opposing backfields. As a pass rusher, needs to do a better job with his hands and rely less on pure athleticism. He does do a very good job of getting his hands up and disrupting passing lanes, when stoned at the line of scrimmage (evidenced by 4 batted balls last season). With one of the best in the business in Coach Kool guiding him, there is absolutely no reason for the former Booker T, Washington stand out to not make a huge leap this season. I expect Thomas to erupt for 6-8 sacks this year, and firmly establish himself as a top level ACC DE. Anything short of that would be a major disappointment.