Arkansas’ focus on recruiting for the defensive line paid off again Monday when Robert Thomas of Muskogee, Okla., orally committed to the Razorbacks.

Thomas, 6-1, 290 pounds, 4. 89 seconds in the 40-yard dash, committed to Kansas State in July but attended an Arkansas football camp in June and was later offered a scholarship. He has reported offers from Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and others.

“I thought it would be the best choice for me and my family,” said Thomas, who said he can bench press 510 pounds and squat 650. “I know in my mind I made the right choice. Arkansas being in the SEC was a big one [factor ]. It’s just an hour away.”

Muskogee assistant coach Jason Medrano said Thomas is a raw talent with a big upside.

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“He can only get better,” Medrano said. “His mental ability is finally catching up to his physical ability. Once he gets all of that together, he’s going to be real good. The coaches there will be able to mold him into what they want, and I think he’ll be an exceptional player.”

Thomas is the second defensive lineman in a week to orally commit to the Hogs. Kevin Lowry, 6-3, 280, 5. 0, of Gainesville, Fla., orally committed to the Razorbacks last Wednesday.

Arkansas quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee, who was the lead recruiter of Thomas, has reeled in three commitments from Oklahoma. He secured cornerback David Gordon of Tulsa East Central and Broken Arrow offensive lineman Alvin Bailey before the start of the season.

“Coach McGee is one of the best recruiters that I ever talked to,” said Thomas, who made an unofficial visit during the Arkansas-Alabama game. “He didn’t talk like I was a recruit. He talked business. He told me what actually was going to happen. He didn’t try to sugarcoat it. He told me the real truth. That’s what I loved about it.”

Thomas is Arkansas’ 19 th commitment of the 2009 class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.