Tennessee defensive back Jakobe Thomas is about to do something he’s never done before. See a game in Neyland Stadium.
That’s right. Despite being a longtime UT fan from Tullahoma, Tenn., Thomas has never seen the Vols in person during a game. Now, after transferring from Middle Tennessee State, he’ll actually play in a game in Neyland Stadium when the Vols open the season against Chattanooga on Aug. 31.
“I grew up a Tennessee fan, but I never got the chance to come to Neyland,” Thomas said. “So I’ve always watched the games from the outside in. So, next Saturday, it’ll be my first time stepping in with the full crowd and actually being able to be a part of the experience.”
Excited? Yes, you could say that.
“I’m super excited,” Thomas said on Friday. “They say Vol fans are the craziest. I’m so excited to just walk into Neyland and play a game.”
Thomas may not start at safety, but he’ll certainly play. That’s a testament to the work he’s put in since joining the Vols after last season as Blue Raider.
“I’m definitely very, very comfortable,” Thomas said. “And the defense, I feel like I know it like the back of my hand. So I feel like I’m really, really comfortable in that now.”
When asked about Thomas and how much he might play against the Mocs, Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks said, “I think it’s a fluid situation for everybody (at safety). Jakobe has had a really good camp from spring and even this fall.
“I like where he is. He’s a good tackler for us. He has a physical presence in that back end, the size that we covet. So I’m excited about where he is and his development…Practice is one thing, obviously. Playing the games is another thing, but if he stays true to what he’s done, I think he’ll have a big year as well.”
That starts with stepping in front of a Neyland Stadium crowd for the first time.
