Commit Video Breakdown: Isaiah Thomas

With the commitment of Tulsa (Okla.) Memorial three-star defensive end Isaiah Thomas is a versatile defensive end that Oklahoma will need as their three-man front continues to evolve under defensive coordinator Mike Stoops and new defense live line coach Calvin Thibodeaux.

Thomas has the strength to slide inside and clog the a-gap and his explosiveness and quick hands also make him capable of blowing up running plays well behind the line of scrimmage.

While it’s not obviously in his wheelhouse of elite skills, Thomas’ athleticism does also allow him to sink back into coverage on occasion to confuse offenses. The Tulsa Memorial star is composed and doesn’t look out of place when forced into that position to make a stop in the open field. Not a small feat for a guy who is also plugging the a-gap multiple times a game.

However, as mentioned above, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound defender excels with the quickness and technique of his hands. As Thomas continues to grow into his large frame, his upper-body strength will continue to get even better as well - a scary thought for future offensive lineman.

The newest Oklahoma commit of 2017 already is adept at providing a barrage of organized chaos onto his blocker – never allowing them to get into his body. This leads to lunging and grasping by the offensive lineman, which is game over for Thomas whose athleticism, explosion, and ability to stay low behind his pads takes over.

Just watch the activity in Thomas' hands off the snap and how quickly he wins the battle of space and leverage.

There’s no doubt Thomas will have to put in some work in Oklahoma’s weight room and nutrition program, but his frame suggests that it shouldn’t be much of a problem. This is the second consecutive year the Sooners have done a good job identifying talent and dipping into Tulsa to find a versatile, athletic defender – as they did last year with Tulsa Victory Christian linebacker Jon-Michael Terry.

Thomas and Terry look to be a part of a highly athletic defensive front seven moving forward that also includes guys like Neville Gallimore, Du’Vonta Lampkin, Gabriel Campbell, Kenneth Mann, Ricky DeBerry, Caleb Kelly, Mark Jackson, Amani Bledsoe, Levi Draper – all of whom have yet to use a single year of their college eligibility.