‘Edge Prototype’: Scouting Baylor DE Commitment Trent Thomas
Today is a look at Baylor’s newest commitment. This is the type of player that every college program seeks out in recruiting because of the overall upside this young man possesses.
Trent Thomas
Size: 6’3”, 235-pounds
Position: Defensive End
High School: Fort Bend (Texas) Marshall
Recruitment
The Bears just hosted Thomas (June 10) before gaining his public commitment. Houston, SMU, Tulane, Boston College, Colorado, and Arkansas State were some of his other offers prior to pledging to Dave Aranda and the Bears.
Frame
He absolutely looks the part. Thomas is long from the hip down; a lanky frame that’s classic for an edge rusher. Wiry frame with room for growth across the board. Could easily weigh 260-pounds before leaving Baylor. Impressive arm length.
Athleticism
Moves well in space, even when shuffling down the line of scrimmage. Many players with a long frame like Thomas struggle in that regard. He’s ahead of the curve. First step looks like a top defensive end recruit should. Needs more power to maximize his upside. That will come via the weight room and natural maturation.
Attacking Mentality
Whether going after the signal caller or just looking to penetrate into the opponent’s backfield, Thomas makes a beeline for where he wants to go. If there’s one thing about Thomas, he’s going to fire off the football. To that end, the technical aspect of his game needs to grow.
Talking Technique
He’s starting to develop moves like slap, swim, rip, etc., and he will need refinement to help not only set up those moves but to also maximize sack opportunities and tackling running backs at or near the line of scrimmage. His hand placement needs improvement, as even the quick hands of Thomas often missed the best place to attack an offensive tackle via his junior film.
With a little more experience and drill work, the difference in Thomas’s ability to get after the quarterback will be stark. To do that, Thomas needs a go-to move. Then, counter moves. It’s the same for any defensive lineman. Sounds easy, but even getting one move down to where it’s completely natural is easier said than done.
Pass rushing is an intricate skill, and one that often takes years to become good at let alone master. Once the technique of Thomas catches up to his athleticism and his growing frame, he’s going to be a very difficult defender to keep out of the backfield.
Building a True Edge Defender
Baylor operates mainly from a three-man front. That means Thomas is likely to play a hybrid linebacker-defensive end role, depending on many factors like down and distance, opponent, and where he’s at with his own football development. That last point is one to investigate further.
Think of Thomas as a sports car with all the parts a mechanic would need to build something that goes 200-plus miles per hour. It just has to be pieced together before turning the key. While it’s possibly going to take a while, this young man has a lot of upside to be a premium pass rusher.
Thomas just needs to stay the course. He plays hard, possesses the type of frame that cannot be taught, and he’s just learning the nuances of the defensive end position. There’s really no special formula or area for him. Building the sports car just takes time.
As long as he listens to his coaches (football and strength staff), there’s no reason Thomas cannot eventually be a terror off the edge for the Bears.
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