Ad Disclosure
Tennessee reportedly lands transfer DB from in-state program, completes flip from Oregon State
By Keith Farner
Published:
Tennessee landed a notable addition in the defensive backfield from a former Middle Tennessee State defensive back. But the Vols had to complete a flip from Oregon State first.
Jakobe Thomas initially committed to Oregon State on Thursday, but Thomas was reportedly convinced to visit Knoxville, and soon after committed to the Vols. This addition reverses a trend for the Vols after they’d seen a steady exodus of defensive backs.
Thomas is a former Tullahoma (Tenn.) High School standout, who played quarterback in high school.
At Middle Tennessee State, he made 108 tackles and 4 tackles for loss over the past 2 seasons. This past season, Thomas recorded 71 tackles and 3 tackles for a loss as well as 5 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Thomas will have 2 years of eligibility remaining.
BREAKING: In-state DB, Middle Tennessee transfer @jakobethomas2 commits to #Tennessee, flips from Oregon State to #Vols.
Thomas goes in-depth on his decision with @GoVols247 (FREE) https://t.co/8xa1vAT4vD pic.twitter.com/ttglPgN0v7
— Ryan Callahan (@RyanCallahan247) December 16, 2023
Thomas drew offers from Thomas Auburn, Texas A&M, Louisville, Mississippi and Mississippi State, and those came as Middle Tennessee State dealt with a coaching change, as it recently hired Derek Mason. He reportedly visited Ole Miss and Oregon State before Tennessee.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
