Stormin in Norman
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Ten Most Indispensable Oklahoma Football Players in 2016

By Chip Rouse

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;Clemson Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners line up in the first quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA;Clemson Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners line up in the first quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (28) carries the ball as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) defends during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver James Washington (28) carries the ball as Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) defends during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

Jordan Thomas Is OU’s Resident Locksmith in Pass Defense

Oklahoma’s improved play in pass defense last season was in no small part due to the outstanding play of cornerback Jordan Thomas. The Sooners led the Big 12 in pass defense, allowing opponents just 202 yards passing per game in 2015.

Thomas combined with teammate Zack Sanchez to pilfer 12 passes last season. Thomas’ five interceptions, which he returned for a total of 153 yards, ranked fourth best in the Big 12. He frequently drew the opposing team’s best receiver, when the Sooners arguably had the two best cornerbacks in the conference. With Sanchez having departed early for the NFL, Thomas’ performance in the coming season will become even more important.

For a while this summer, it appeared Oklahoma might be without Thomas’ services for some period of time, if not all of the 2016 season. The Sooner cornerback faced charges of public intoxication, interference and alleged assault stemming from an incident in June outside a popular Norman night spot. He had been suspended twice last season for violating team rules.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the charges against Thomas had been dismissed, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops followed that up by stating that Thomas would not be suspended for any games and that any disciplinary action would be handled internally.

That is a huge lift for the Sooners. Now it’s up to Thomas, an All-Big 12 First-Team Selection last year by ESPN.com and All-Conference Second Team by Associated Press, the league coaches and Phil Steele, to stay out of trouble and on the field.

Next: Punting, Kicking, Scoring Specialist Austin Seibert

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