The NCAA transfer portal has ravaged Tennessee’s 2020 signing class in recent days, with defensive end Tyler Baron and defensive backs Tamarion McDonald and Doneiko Slaughter choosing to leave the Volunteers to play their fifth-year senior seasons elsewhere.
Omari Thomas will not be joining them.
The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder from Memphis announced Thursday that four seasons in Knoxville are not enough and that he will return to the Vols in 2024. Thomas has played in 47 career games with 29 starts, amassing 88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hurries, four sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick.
Thomas also has been effective at batting balls down at the line of scrimmage, having been credited with eight in his career.
“Four years ago, I made a decision to come here and be a part of the change,” Thomas posted on social media. “My time at UT has been nothing short of amazing. I’ve accomplished so much in my years here. I’ve grown as a person both on and off the field. I’ve enjoyed playing alongside my teammates and building a true brotherhood.