Defensive lineman Robert Thomas of Muskogee, Okla., orally committed to Arkansas in October, but he might not have made it that far in football if not for the influence of his grandfather.

Thomas is slated to sign a national letter of intent with Arkansas in February.

“My freshman year, I loved football,” said Thomas, who is named after his grandfather. “But I didn’t think it was for me. I had a lot of different coaches that aren’t there any longer. They always put you down, but my grandfather explained to me that he sees a lot of talent in me and I could go a long way. I just kept that in mind. Everything I do, I do for my grandfather.”

Thomas, 6-1, 290, 4. 89 seconds in the 40-yard dash, turned into one of the better prospects in Oklahoma. Thomas has 62 unassisted tackles, 19 assisted tackles, 12 tackles for losses, 6 sacks, 3 blocked field goals and 2 rushing touchdowns this season for Muskogee. He chose the Razorbacks over Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and others.

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Thomas said he sees himself more as a son instead of a grandson.

“I didn’t grow up with my father,” Thomas said. “I grew up with my grandfather, and I’ve always known him as being my father. I don’t even call him my grandfather; he’s my dad. He’s a great man. I couldn’t ask for anyone better. He’s one of the strongest men I’ve met in my life. He’s told me no matter what people say to me, turn the other cheek and be the bigger man and walk off.”

Thomas said the chance to play in the SEC and be near his grandfather were big factors in choosing Arkansas.

“Growing up, I always liked the Razorbacks,” said Thomas, who bench presses 510 pounds and squats 650. “I love watching the SEC. For them to offer me was a blessing, and then be able to play that close to home and in that type of environment and my grandfather to be able to see me play was a big plus for me.”

The elder Thomas, who turns 57 this month, recently retired after driving for United Parcel Service for 32 years.

“I always told him by the time he was a senior that no matter what I do, I wouldn’t miss a game,” Thomas said.

Retirement has allowed Thomas to enjoy his passion for golf, which he shares with his grandson.

“I use to take him out there and let him ride around in a cart,” said Thomas, who has a 10 handicap. “He soon liked being in that atmosphere. We’ve never hunted or anything like that. We go fishing every now and then, but that’s what I like to do on a Saturday.”

The younger Thomas enjoys the tranquility of being on the golf course and the enjoyment it gives his grandfather.

“It calms me down. It’s peaceful,” he said. “He’s better by far. I think if he actually wanted to, he could be a pro. I’m not very good, but to see him smiling and enjoying it, it makes him happy so I love it.”

The elder Thomas said he believes Arkansas is a good fit for his grandson but admits he’ll miss his presence. “I love spending time with him,” he said. “I’m going to miss that.”

VISITING ST. LOUIS Arkansas football coaches wasted no time hitting the road recruiting after the 31-30 victory over LSU on Friday. Quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee traveled to St. Louis to do an inhome visit with highly regarded running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. on Sunday afternoon. Wingo, 6-3, 212, 4. 41, of St. Louis University High School, has 12 scholarship offers, including offers from Arkansas, Alabama, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee and others. He’s been selected to play in the U. S. Army All-American game Jan. 3 that will be nationally televised on NBC.

McGee arrived at 2 p. m. and stayed for three hours, Ronnie Wingo Sr. said.

“I think Coach McGee did a good job of selling what Arkansas is trying to do,” Ronnie Wingo Sr. said. “He impressed my son about what Arkansas football and academics is all about. He talked about Arkansas being a family-based place. He said being this was his first year at Arkansas he didn’t know what to expect but he saw how much people loved Hog football.”

Wingo Jr. was reminded of Arkansas’ desire for the bigger back. “He told me about the school and how much they need me,” said Wingo Jr., who rushed 234 times for 1, 482 yards this season. “He told me how they needed a big back. He showed me what they would do in the offense.” Wingo has scheduled official visits to Missouri on Dec. 12-14 and Arkansas Jan. 9-11. “I’m not sure about the other visits right now.” said Wingo, who can take up to five official visits in accordance with NCAA rules.

BIG BOOST Arkansas running backs coach and recruiting coordinator Tim Horton sees the victory over LSU aiding recruiting.

“Any time you can beat the defending national champions the day after Thanksgiving on national television, it will give your program momentum in many areas, but especially in recruiting. I know the reaction of the 30-plus recruits at the game was very good.”

E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline. com