Film Don't Lie | Loghan Thomas
Defensive line coach Al Washington has been hunting Vypers this recruiting cycle. There was a significant need in this class and Notre Dame didn’t only need to add bodies there, they needed to add the type of talent with the traits to develop into elite edge rushers for the Irish.
Washington clearly understood the assignment because he just landed his second very good prospect at the position with a commitment from Katy (Texas) edge Loghan Thomas. He joins Cole Mullins at the position and the Irish likely aren’t done adding with this class.
Thomas turned heads at the All-American combine back in January where he ran a 4.75 40 and posted a 31.5 vertical leap. More important than that, he was dominant when it was time to compete in one on ones.
He’s a player who is just scratching the surface with his potential and it’s a big time pick up for Washington and the staff.
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 210
Projected Position: Vyper
ISD Grade: 90 (4-star)
National Average Grade: 89.8 (4-star)
What he does best:
Thomas has a very good first step. He can put tackles on their heels in pass protection and displays the ability to turn the corner to get to the quarterback.
His motor shows up consistently. He plays hard and can chase down plays because of pure “want to”.
Though he needs to get a lot stronger overall in order to play the run at a higher level, he has some wow rushes when converting speed to power. He’s someone who should be able to develop a nasty long arm as a go-to pass rush move.
What he needs to improve:
His snap anticipation is inconsistent. He has above average twitch, but that only means something when he gets off the ball when he is supposed to. That shows up a bit too often.
He does not look comfortable in a two-point stance. This is something that can change, but he’s clearly someone who looks much better when he is able to put his hand in the dirt. There is a huge difference with his get off. That’s something that he should be able to get better at with time.
What’s his ceiling?
Thomas has the kind of frame and athletic traits that are extremely exciting and based on his MVP performance at the All-American combine, it already appears he’s made a leap with his game after his junior season.
The pieces are there for him to develop into an outstanding pass rusher for the Irish and physically he reminds me quite a bit of former Notre Dame Vyper Julian Okwara. He had similar raw tools and we saw him continue to get better and better as a player as he matured in college. I think Thomas can take a similar path.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Thomas be a pretty big riser in the rankings during his senior season and though he might not see the field immediately at Notre Dame, I can see him becoming an impact pass rusher when he’s ready.
Who he could be:
Former Notre Dame Vyper Julian Okwara
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