Originating from Checotah, Oklahoma, the 4-star wide receiver Elijah Thomas, who stands at 6 feet 1 inch, has been a fan of Oklahoma since his childhood. Despite receiving offers from prominent programs like Alabama, the Sooners secured Thomas’ commitment in July, making him a highly sought-after addition to their team.
Thomas’ decision to choose OU wasn’t solely driven by his childhood fandom; rather, it was influenced by his compatibility with the culture established by Brent Venables and his team in Norman.
Zac Ross, Thomas’ head coach at Checotah High School, commended the star wide receiver for his leadership qualities and highlighted his selfless approach to the game. Ross emphasized Thomas’ versatility, noting that he is well-versed in every position on the field and willingly adapts to different roles. Furthermore, Thomas is recognized for his willingness to celebrate his teammates’ successes, showcasing a team-oriented mindset.
Thomas’ leadership extends to mentoring younger players on the Wildcats’ roster. Both Thomas and his coach highlight his role in guiding freshmen, aiding their transition to high school football. In discussing his goals for the senior season, Thomas expressed a desire to prepare younger teammates for their time to shine on the field. Ross emphasized that this mentorship is one of several ways in which Thomas assumes a leadership position within the team’s locker room.
“I aim to enhance our team’s performance and prepare the freshmen for their transition to high school,” remarked Thomas. “I want them to be ready whenever they find themselves in a position similar to mine.”
Beyond his impact within Checotah’s locker room, the standout playmaker actively engages with his local community. In addition to mentoring younger players on his team, Thomas frequently attends middle school and youth football games, offering his support to the emerging athletes in his hometown.
“One of his major objectives is to demonstrate that others can achieve similar success. While some athletes may appear distant due to their exceptional skills, he takes the opposite approach, making himself accessible to everyone,” stated Ross.
“He actively participates in Saturday morning youth football games, extending his outreach beyond high school students. Whether it’s junior high or youth football games, he’s present, making his presence felt throughout the entire community. His genuine concern for the community reflects his commitment to leaving a positive impact.”
This aligns precisely with the kind of character that Venables and his team aim to integrate into Oklahoma’s program. The former Clemson defensive coordinator has been successful in instilling this culture in Norman and is actively seeking recruits who embody similar qualities.
In addition to Thomas’ off-field compatibility with OU, securing a highly skilled in-state receiver holds significant importance for the Sooners’ recruitment endeavors. Thomas, a 4-star prospect, holds the impressive rankings of No. 106 overall player and No. 20 wide receiver in the 2025 class, as per Rivals.
The Checotah standout mentioned a positive rapport with Emmett Jones, the wide receivers coach at Oklahoma. Thomas revealed that Jones attended one of his recent basketball games, further solidifying their connection.
“I consider myself quite physical, adept at running routes, and I put a lot of intensity into my runs,” remarked Thomas. He added, “I believe Coach Jones appreciates throwing deep passes and pushing the ball out for longer distances to score from a distance.”
Thomas is part of the 2025 recruiting class for the Sooners, along with two other wide receivers: 4-star Gracen Harris from Ennis, TX, and 4-star Jaden Nickens from Oklahoma City. Alongside this talented trio of wide receivers, the Sooners have also secured a commitment from 4-star quarterback Kevin Sperry for the upcoming cycle.
While Thomas mentioned having the chance to work out briefly with Sperry, he emphasized that he has forged the strongest connection with Ka’Mori Moore, a defensive line pledge for the 2025 class.
Thomas is set to attend OU’s Elite Junior Day this Saturday, providing him with the opportunity to meet Seth Littrell, the new play caller for the Sooners, for the first time.
Given Thomas’ athleticism and Littrell’s track record of dynamic offenses, there is significant potential for a harmonious partnership. In general, Thomas’ character, leadership abilities, and skill set appear to align seamlessly with the culture being cultivated by Venables and the rest of the team in Norman.
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