Chase Thomas arrived at Stanford in the summer of 2008 with Andrew Luck, Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro to form the core of what would prove to be the greatest recruiting class in school history.
But Thomas did not depart with his three classmates.
Instead of joining them in the NFL Draft, Thomas opted to return for his senior season. What he called “one of the hardest decisions of my life” had as much to do with his love for Stanford football as the response he got from NFL draft evaluators.
In order to be a high-round draft pick, they said, Thomas needed to get bigger — at 245 pounds, he’s not big enough to play outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense — and improve his coverage skills.
“There are a lot of things I need to improve on, parts of my game that aren’t up to par for the NFL,” he said. “(Scouts want) to see more flex in my hips. I’ve got to break on the ball better and set my feet.’’
In order to become the defensive leader Stanford needs, Thomas must become more vocal. He began that process during spring practice, with immediate and impressive results.
“He’s without a doubt a leader,’’ said defensive coordinator Derek Mason. “This is his defense — he’s taken on that role. He has moved beyond being a quiet guy.’’
Thomas’ career has been one of constant evolution. The communications major grew up in Marietta, Ga., and turned down scholarship offers from SEC schools in order to attend Stanford.
As a redshirt freshman, he started eight games at defensive end. As a sophomore, he moved to outside linebacker and was an honorable-mention All-Pac-10 selection. As a junior, he morphed into a dynamo, recording 8.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss while earning first-team all-league honors.
In his final season, Thomas figures to be one of the most disruptive forces in the conference, if not the country.
But there is an inherent conflict in his role. Thomas’ greatest value to Stanford is as a pass rusher, but NFL scouts will be focused on his coverage skills.
Cardinal coach David Shaw summed up the situation succinctly: “Whatever he puts on film (in pass coverage) needs to be great.’’
The rest of Thomas’ game will be.