FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas is now firmly in the running for one of the nation’s top 2020 offensive linemen.
Highly recruited Memphis Briarcrest sophomore Omari Thomas (6-5, 265) was one of several Bluff City-area standouts that took unofficial visits to Arkansas on Sunday.
“I was really pleased with what I saw today,” Thomas said. “The facilities are really nice and we got a chance to go over and see the nutrition part. It is good to see how they want you to get big, but also have a great recovery so that you will be able to play fast while also being healthy.”
Arkansas strength and conditioning coach Trumain Carroll certainly left an impression.
“A good thing the strength coach said is what is the point of coming here if you are not going to play fast, if you are not going to be healthy,” Thomas said. “ He said most schools just want to turn you into a body builder, but that is not what they are trying to do.
“They are trying to send people to the next level and that’s what I am looking for and all my teammates are looking for. We were all very pleased with what we got to see today.”
He got a chance to meet with the entire Arkansas staff.
“The coaching staff is excellent,” Thomas said. “I love the coaching staff. I wasn’t very familiar with the old coaching staff, but I can tell the new staff is here and trying to do something special.”
Thomas already has offers from Arkansas, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Missouri and Memphis.
“I am just enjoying the ride, honestly,” Thomas said. “It is all happening so fast. I am just being thankful and keeping God first.”
Thomas is playing on both sides of the ball.
“On the offensive side of the ball, I know how to climb and get to the next level and take care of linebackers and safeties,” Thomas said. “I would say my game is nasty and aggressive.
“On the defensive side of the ball, I like flowing to the ball and making plays and helping my team.”
He has been to several schools already and will continue to take other visits.
“I am going to go to Oklahoma this spring,” Thomas said. “I have been to Notre Dame, LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss. They are nice schools as well.”