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In an offseason about finding answers, Baylor might have found an answer and uncovered a jewel for its program. When the Bears began recruiting Keaton Thomas from Northeast Mississippi Community College, the coaching staff knew it was in a battle for a NJCAA All-American linebacker who was also being courted by Mississippi State, North Carolina State, West Virginia and many others.
What the staff might not have known when it began its pursuit of the 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker was the type of leader he could become in such a short amount of time. The redshirt sophomore has only been in Waco for a little over six months, but his impact is already being widely felt across the program.
During his official visit to Baylor in December, Thomas’ host was sophomore safety Carl Williams IV. It didn’t take Williams long to know that Thomas’ personality was different and that he possessed a trait missing from Baylor’s 2023 defense.
“Keaton is a vocal and confident guy; everybody feeds off of it,” Williams said Wednesday. “I knew when he first came on a recruiting visit, I was his host, and I was like, ‘Yeah. He’s a guy that we need to have.’ Seeing him make the impact he’s made is a blessing.”
Thomas committed after his visit, signed in December and enrolled at Baylor for the spring. Like most new players, Thomas felt like he had to prove himself first.
“Coming in, I was the new guy and didn’t know anybody super well,” Thomas said on Wednesday at Big 12 Media Days. “I didn’t want to push relationships too far before I established myself first, but now that I’ve done that, I love it – it’s awesome. I've gotten a chance to grow on the field and in the weight room. I’m learning different ways to establish myself as a guy who wants to be a pivotal piece on this team.”
Thomas is playing Baylor’s WILL linebacker position next to sixth-year senior Matt Jones, who is at MIKE. Jones admitted to working diligently on his own leadership traits, but he says Thomas’ leadership is undeniable.
“Ever since Keaton came in, he’s been pedal to the metal nonstop,” Jones said Wednesday. “He brings intensity and high effort. He’s got a real Florida-boy mentality. They come in with one thing – how to win and how to run through you. He’s definitely stepped up in that leadership role, and a lot of people listen to him.”
Thomas’ position coach, head coach Dave Aranda, says that Thomas is not only taking on a leadership role but also teaching others through his actions.
“[His energy] is contagious and we need more of that,” Aranda said. “I think bringing in guys that are built that way can help train other guys to be like that. That’s the role he’s playing right now as a leader. As a player, he’s very talented.”
Thomas was the third-ranked junior college linebacker in the country and was a priority addition for Aranda. During the 2023 season, he tallied 107 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. After showing that his talent would transition well to the Big 12, his leadership traits had even more impact.
“In January when I got there, we were fighting an uphill battle,” Thomas said. “When I say that, I mean making sure that guys are locked in and knocking that immaturity out from some of the young bucks who had a lot of playing time last season.
Once spring ball rolled around, I felt like that was [taken care of] – everybody was on their business and there to maximize the opportunity that we’ve been graciously given by God and the coaching staff.”
But for those unfamiliar with Thomas on the field, he’s relentless.
“You’re always going to see me fly around to the ball,” Thomas said. “I love the game. I put all of my heart into it, and I’m a firm believer that when you put all of your heart into something, it’s going to give back. I’m excited to see what it’s going to give back.”
After finishing toward the bottom of the Big 12 in almost every defensive category last fall, Thomas also takes responsibility for being one to ensure that doesn’t repeat itself this fall.
“We're just ready to go,” Thomas said. “I feel like everybody's tenacious; we're hungry. We're ready to be fast and physical on offense and defense. I think that once we got that rock over the hill, it's smooth sailing.”
Led by Thomas, Baylor’s fast and physical presence from its 2021 championship season could be ready to make a return. According to senior wide receiver Ketron Jackson, spring camp was much different in 2024.
“It feels a lot more physical than it was last year, especially from the [defensive] front,” Jackson said Wednesday. “It starts with those guys and linebackers like Keaton. He’s so fast. When I catch a five-yard out, I’ll turn around, and he’s there. He’s a ball hawk wherever he’s at.”
Baylor fans will vividly remember the exceptional performance of former Bear Terrel Bernard during the 2021 season. The senior linebacker posted 103 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He played the same position that Thomas will play in 2024.
That type of production is essential for Baylor’s defensive scheme, and according to Aranda, Thomas checks all the boxes.
“The linebackers in the system can be weaponized, rush blocking schemes, rush the passer and be really disruptive,” Aranda said. “He allows you to do that. Then, for some of the two high concepts that we need to play, he can cover people on the perimeter. His expertise in all the various disciplines allows us to get in and out of things.”
Thomas admitted that he grew up watching Aranda’s defenses at Utah State, Wisconsin and LSU. He remembers the dominance of the Tigers' defense en route to the 2019 National Championship and sees a lot of similarities in his game to former LSU standout Patrick Queen.
Watching those Aranda defenses made it an easy choice for Thomas to come to Waco when given the opportunity. Now, it’s his turn to do everything he can to help replicate the team success of those teams, including the 2021 Bears.
TeeTee2KT said:
Keaton is definitely one to watch. He is a scholar athlete and demonstrates leadership on and off the field. He puts his heart into everything he does with purpose. On the field, he is coming for you and will knock you down then help you up. Love LOve LOVe LOVE this young man! Go get 'em baby! Sic 'em!
#MyNephew #allofthat+more
