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Oklahoma football: Ranking the 10 most important Sooners for 2021

ByChip Rouse|
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 23: Safety Pat Fields #10, and offensive lineman Marcus Alexander #74 of the Oklahoma Sooners run onto the field for a game against the TCU Horned Frogs on November 23, 2019 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. OU held on to win 28-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - NOVEMBER 23: Safety Pat Fields #10, and offensive lineman Marcus Alexander #74 of the Oklahoma Sooners run onto the field for a game against the TCU Horned Frogs on November 23, 2019 at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. OU held on to win 28-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
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Dec 5, 2020; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas (95) reacts during the game against the Baylor Bears at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas (95) reacts during the game against the Baylor Bears at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

No. 9 — Senior DT Isaiah Thomas

The defensive front is the strength of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s much-improved 2021 Oklahoma defense. And a big part of the reason for that is senior defensive tackle Isaiah Thomas. Thomas played at both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Sooners last season and was credited with a team-high 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He also recorded two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and eight quarterback hurries.

Thomas is a disruptive defensive force and a tough matchup for any offensive lineman. Pro Football Focus rated him as the No. 74 overall player in college football last season.

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