TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Bob Stoops of the Oklahoma Sooners is presented the Insight Bowl trophy after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 30, 2011 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sooners defeated the Hawkeyes 31-14. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Ahmad Thomas, an underrated safety recruit, committed to the Oklahoma Sooners Monday night, according to SB Nation's Crimson & Cream Machine and Chris Nee of Rivals. This is an interesting development for a number of reasons. Thomas stars for Miami (Fla.) Central High School, and really improved his play as a junior, particularly in the latter parts of the season and during Central's playoff run, after having played quarterback some as well in 2011. Thomas is a consensus three-star recruit, though many believe that will change soon in a good way. He comes in at 6'0" and 195 pounds, and claims offers from Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame and USF, though the legitimacy of all those offers could not be verified.
Here are some reactions from SB Nation's recruiting analysts:
@SBN_Wescott OU stole that kid
— YouthSportsSanDiego (@yssd) May 23, 2012
@SBNRecruiting @yssd @SBN_Wescott That's definitely the $64k question. I think he said just recently he could take it up to NSD & now this?
— Jordan Esco (@Jordan_Esco) May 23, 2012
@SBNRecruiting @sbn_wescott @jordan_esco Good point. Offers should roll in w/more frequency now, giving him more options
— YouthSportsSanDiego (@yssd) May 23, 2012
Thomas has not yet visited the Sooners, which makes this commitment surprising indeed. Thomas will likely make a visit to Oklahoma sometime soon, and his recruitment will likely continue throughout the process. Oklahoma defensive coach Mike Stoops did recently visit Miami Central and Thomas. Apparently the impression was quite good.
As a player, I like that Thomas is in position to make plays and seems to have at least decent instincts. But I would like to see him bring his legs on contact and punish runners when he has them squared up. He does, however, get the runner on the ground. I'm not sure about his coverage skills at this point as I have not seen enough film of him covering to pass judgment.
For more on OU football, visit Oklahoma blog Crimson And Cream Machine.
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