Bryan Thomas Jr.’s journey to SEC pass rusher

When Bryan Thomas Jr. arrived at South Carolina’s prospect camp in the summer of 2021, he weighed in at less than 200 pounds.

195 pounds, to be exact.

Despite his pass-rushing prowess in high school and his bloodlines – his father, Bryan Thomas Sr., is an 11-year veteran of the NFL – that size likely prevented him from earning even more scholarships.

Conspicuously absent from the offer list were in-state programs like Florida, FSU, and Miami.

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“I mean, then I was like, dang, am I not good enough?” Thomas said during an interview on the Gamecock Club Hour on 107.5 The Game. “I didn’t understand it. But my whole life, I really (am) just proving people wrong.”

Fast forward a few seasons, and “BT” is now a key member of the Gamecocks’ defense.

He saw the field in 10 games as a true freshman and has only missed one game in the past two campaigns. He has 51 career tackles along with 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. All but one of came last season, his most productive yet.

Heading into his senior year, Thomas is now around the 250 pound mark. It’s a substantial weight gain over time, but one he says came organically.

“It actually kind of came natural,” he said. “It was also the strength program. I had gained like 15 pounds in like four months during my sophomore year. I was eating right. My main priority is just trying to make sure it wasn’t sloppy weight. I wanted to put on lean muscle so I can still be fast, keep my speed.”

Thomas Jr. credits strength and conditioning coach Luke Day and position coach Sterling Lucas for his development.

“When I first got here, I couldn’t stop the run at all,” he laughed. “But now, I can lock out 300 pound o-linemen, shed blocks, and make tackles. I feel strong. My squat’s around 500. My bench is closing right there at 400.”

With Nagurski winner Kyle Kennard off to the NFL, Thomas Jr. is expected to play an even bigger role in the EDGE room alongside Dylan Stewart and others.

What’s his next step?

“Just getting 10-plus sacks, 10 plus TFLs,” he said. “Just getting my name out there. I want to be known as the next big thing, because I put in the work.”

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