Thomas ready to make impact

The defensive end from Olive Branch (Miss.) High School committed to play football for UT on Thursday. Thomas chose UT over Mississippi State.

The 6-foot-3, 263-pound Thomas said he expects the departure of UT’s starting defensive ends from last year — Parys Haralson and Jason Hall — to offer him a chance to compete for early playing time.

Thomas talked about what it will take to earn playing time as a freshman at UT and why he chose the Vols over the Bulldogs.

Q: Why did you choose Tennessee?

A: I liked the academic support and the atmosphere. I felt at home. I have a chance to get immediate playing time. I knew when I went there really that it was the right place.

Q: How tough has the recruiting process been?

A: It’s been tough. It’s been stressful. I’m talking to someone different every night. It’s hard to keep up.

Q: What did you like about Mississippi State?

A: I liked the playing time there and a lot of those guys are from Mississippi. I kind of bonded with them during my visit. But I thought I had a better chance to be successful at Tennessee. I liked it there. I had fun and I felt at home.

Q: How strong is your relationship with defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell who recruited you?

A: We have a good relationship. That helps a lot that he coaches defensive ends. We talk about playing time and coming in and working hard and getting to play my first year.

Q: Why do you want to play early?

A: I’m not a bench rider. I believe in myself. I know what I can do and if I work hard I can do it.

Q: Where do you get that motivation to want to play early?

A: I get that from myself. That’s the competitor in me.

Q: What are your goals for your time at Tennessee?

A: First I want to win a bowl game. They had a losing season last year, but the last time they did they won back-to-back SEC championships.

Q: What did defensive tackle Demonte Bolden tell you about Tennessee during your official visit?

A: He told me that it takes hard work and you’re going to work but it can be done. That’s the most important thing, next to getting an education.