Robert Thomas is the game changer this season

[The Realist]

Robert Thomas might indeed in time develop into a dominant defensive lineman in time. But I think it is asking a bit much for a guys first year at the D1 level, going up against SEC caliber offensive lineman, to become a force in his first season in this league. I think he will have some moments, but will not be spectacular this upcoming season.

Terrence Cody and Nick Fairley would disagree

[mccurdy]

what number was thomas in the spring game and what team was he on?

[daBoar]

what number was thomas in the spring game and what team was he on?

I find all this chatter on the potential of RT to be quite interesting knowing that Byran Jones started several games (on a pretty good defense) as a true freshman. Gad, it's nice having some depth.

[GoHogs1091]

It has been a long time since we had a game changer on the Defensive Line.  Wayne Martin is the last one I can think of.  Martin was an outstanding Defensive Lineman.  It will be awesome if Robert Thomas is as good as Wayne Martin.   

[HAWG4EVER]

It has been a long time since we had a game changer on the Defensive Line.  Wayne Martin is the last one I can think of.  Martin was an outstanding Defensive Lineman.  It will be awesome if Robert Thomas is as good as Wayne Martin.

I believe Jamal Anderson was not too shabby.

[HAWG4EVER]

Does anybody know where " Big Tex "  Jatashun Beachum is going to play?

[GoHogs1091]

I believe Jamal Anderson was not too shabby.

Anderson was very good, but Wayne Martin was a step above Anderson in regards to Defensive Line play for the Hogs.  Martin's Defensive Line play excellence continued on to the NFL.  The following is from Martin's Wikpedia.org page:

"Martin amassed a total of 82.5 quarterback sacks, which currently stands as the 2nd most career sacks with the Saints behind linebacker teammate Rickey Jackson, Martin Was Introduced Into the "New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame" with (Jim Dombrowski)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Martin_(American_football)

[HAWG4EVER]

Yes, I remember Martin very well. I wasn't trying to compare Martin and Anderson, just that Anderson was very good and he is a more recent player than Martin.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Does anybody know where " Big Tex "  Jatashun Beachum is going to play?

I think he is buried deep in the D-Line Depth Chart right now.

[GoHogs1091]

Yes, I remember Martin very well. I wasn't trying to compare Martin and Anderson, just that Anderson was very good and he is a more recent player than Martin.

If I had to only pick my favorite 2 Hogs of All-Time, it would be Steve Atwater and Wayne Martin (in that order).  They were complete players, and they were total dominators.

By all accounts, Robert Thomas definitely has the ability to be a complete player and a total dominator.  That would be awesome.  It is something we have needed for the DL for a long time. 

[GuvHog]

I find all this chatter on the potential of RT to be quite interesting knowing that Byran Jones started several games (on a pretty good defense) as a true freshman. Gad, it's nice having some depth.

Robert Thomas is listed on the last depth chart I read as the back up to DD Jones, not Byran Jones. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Robert becomes the starter there by mid season if not before.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Robert Thomas is listed on the last depth chart I read as the back up to DD Jones, not Byran Jones. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Robert becomes the starter there by mid season if not before.

We'll see but as the season starts at both DT positions I think it will be a matter of all four being listed as #1's, in other words, "this guy or that guy" as the starter as opposed to #1 and #2 on the depth chart. The #1's and #2's will all be worked out in time.

[GuvHog]

We'll see but as the season starts at both DT positions I think it will be a matter of all four being listed as #1's, in other words, "this guy or that guy" as the starter as opposed to #1 and #2 on the depth chart. The #1's and #2's will all be worked out in time.

I agree. All 4 of them are going to get A LOT of playing time.

[Hog Fan from Camden]

We'll see but as the season starts at both DT positions I think it will be a matter of all four being listed as #1's, in other words, "this guy or that guy" as the starter as opposed to #1 and #2 on the depth chart. The #1's and #2's will all be worked out in time.

Man, this is a great problem to have.  On top of that our #3's are 2 seniors who will play a ton, Stadther and Askew, not to mention walk-on Green.

DD Jones JR or R Thomas SO
L Askew SR
J Jackson SO
then
B Jones SO or A Davis JR
Z Stadther SR
J Green JR (Walk-on)

[bennyl08]

While it might be a bit early to praise RT, he hasn't shown anything that says he isn't deserving of such hype, and a lot of that is fueled by the previous successes of Cody and Fairley. Was Nevis a JUCO? Anyways, JUCO DT's have had a lot, and A LOT! of success the past few years on championship quality teams. So, it is very natural for us to assume the same year, especially considering his spring practice. Or to prove my argument:

a+b=c
c+b=c
d+b=c

=>a=b=d, where c=championship, b=team on verge of championship, a,b,d=incoming star juco player.