Thomas talks return to Tennessee, Citrus Bowl, Vols’ future
Omari Thomas spoke with reporters after Tennessee’s Tuesday morning practice at Anderson Training Center, and he had plenty to say.
Omari Thomas spoke with reporters after Tennessee’s Tuesday morning practice at Anderson Training Center, and he had plenty to say.
The senior defensive lineman recently opted to exercise his COVID eligibility exception and come back to Knoxville for the 2024 season, and he discussed that and several more topics during a candid-as-usual meeting with reporters.
College football rosters remain in a constant state of transition in this era, but Thomas has been a steady presence in the middle of Tennessee’s defensive line the past few seasons, and Josh Heupel and Co. were thrilled to get the big Memphis native back for a final season.
Thomas essentially described unfinished business for himself, his defensive teammates and the entire Tennessee program after an 8-4 regular season, and he said the 21st-ranked Vols have an opportunity in the upcoming Citrus Bowl against 17th-ranked Iowa to get a head start on a better 2024 season.
Here’s everything Thomas said after Tuesday’s practice:.
ON WHETHER HIS DECISION TO COME BACK FOR THE 2024 SEASON HAS CHANGED HIS PERSPECTIVE HEADING INTO THE UPCOMING CITRUS BOWL…
“Really, I feel like this bowl game is just gonna give us a step to just really go out there and continue to just prove and show who we are every day in his locker room. That’s something that we’re really just trying to put out there is just who we are as Tennessee football team. This bowl game gives us another opportunity for that.”
ON THE KEY FACTORS IN CHOOSING TO RETURN NEXT SEASON…
“I was really just wondering if I could be more productive with, like, my play. Do I feel I could be better? Do I feel like there’s still room for me to grow? And all those checked ‘yes’, so I feel like just coming back to college gives me the best opportunity to grow as a player and get the most out of what I feel like I can be as a player.”
