Committed to Iowa State since July 6, R Mason Thomas’ recruiting process heated up in the later half of the 2021 Florida high school football season watching his offer sheet surpass 20. After taking summer official visits with the Cyclones and to South Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Miami also played host. A last-minute official to hometown school Miami had the Sooner faithful worried, but in the end they landed their three-star target.

WHAT THE SOONERS ARE GETTING

Thomas was a relentless presence off the edge for his Cardinal Gibbons squad. Playing as a true weakside end with his hand in the ground, Thomas lived in the opposition’s backfield producing 64 total stops with a team-high 12 sacks in the Chiefs state championship season. Because of his size, some teams are seeing him more as a standup outside linebacker that can drop back and cover, stop the run, and do what he does best, get after the quarterback.

WHAT MAKES THOMAS DIFFERENT

At 6-foot, 3-inches, 220 pounds, Thomas is not a small guy, but not the prototypical end either. Regardless, his motor and tenacity are such that he plays bigger than he is and because of his speed and strength, he wears out offensive tackles.

WHY THIS IS BIG FOR OKLAHOMA

Thomas was a borderline four-star prospect. Adding a talent of his caliber to the roster makes the overall team better. As Thomas feels out his role within the defensive scheme, he can stop the run but can contribute early as a third down specialist chasing down quarterbacks. Stealing Thomas away from both Iowa State and Miami is a great get for coach Brent Venables and his staff.