By Foster Nicholas | Sports Editor
When the lights go out, some people count sheep, while others dream of flying, falling or the occasional tooth loss. But when redshirt sophomore Keaton Thomas lays his head on the pillow at night, the X’s and O’s of head coach Dave Aranda’s unique defensive playbook flicker before his eyelids like an old movie on loop.
“I’m someone that definitely does a lot of manifestation and visualization before I do anything. So before I go to sleep, I watch a video. Then I can see the whole field, the concept that (the offense) is running, and what I need to do in that game before I actually go out and execute it the next day,” Thomas said. “My favorite concept right now, I (dream) about it all the time and watch videos about it all the time.”
The 6-foot-2 transfer from Northeast Mississippi Community College was one of Aranda’s first calls when the winter transfer window opened. Thomas was a coveted talent after collecting 107 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions en route to a first-team NJCAA All-America selection in 2023.
Thomas began his college career as a defensive back at West Virginia in 2022, but was deferred due to scout team assignments. Looking for hands-on experience and an opportunity to showcase his talent, Thomas bet on himself and finished second in the NJCAA in tackling after transferring to another school.
However, after a successful season, returning to the Big 12 was a priority.
“When I got the offer from Baylor in late November, I watched almost every game last year – especially the game against West Virginia. And I mean, I just noticed that the energy was definitely missing,” Thomas said. “So my goal was to be physical and create energy on the field and then be loud on the sidelines when the guys make good plays and attack them when they don’t.”
Baylor proved to be an attractive option for Thomas, as Aranda’s defensive genius combined with the experience of sixth-year linebacker Matt Jones would add another accolade to his lineup.
Aside from the obvious flashy stats, redshirt senior linebacker Brooks Miller said Thomas also brought something else Baylor was looking for: personality and young leadership skills.
“The guys that have come in this year have done a great job of bringing new energy,” Miller said. “When you look at guys like (Keaton Thomas), it doesn’t matter what kind of game it is, it doesn’t matter if it’s a bad day, he brings momentum. And that’s good, especially on defense. I feel like we’ve been lacking a little confidence in the linebacker room since guys like Terrel (Bernard) left. And I feel like KT brings that.”
Very rarely does a junior get the keys to the castle as quickly as Thomas did. After the first spring practice, Aranda called him out as a player to watch, and a few months later, he was one of Baylor’s player representatives at Big 12 Media Days, along with four returning seniors.
And with every sentence that comes out of Thomas’ mouth, there is a reason why players are already willing to run through walls for him.
“We had a lot of fun, played a lot of games and saw the development of the young players,” said Thomas. “The days are long, the nights longer, the mornings early, but I think everyone has taken it really well and just come with a great attitude to win.”
As a newcomer to Aranda and defensive coordinator Matt Powledge’s scheme, Thomas has been able to incorporate his style of play into the strategy. As Miller put it, the energy and athleticism of Thomas and Jones have allowed Baylor to “play downhill, with gap fillers and knock-back tackles,” while the 2023 defense opted for a more lateral game. Because of his influence and fitness, Thomas has high expectations for himself.
“I want to have over 100 tackles this season. That’s my main goal,” Thomas said. “All-American, Big 12 newcomer, anything I can get. Honestly, it’s getting better every week. Good tackling angles, clean footwork, really good tackle blocking and good coverage. That’s my daily goal.”
After the final scrimmage of training camp, Aranda recounted how he spoke with Thomas afterward to assess the defense’s progress. Just eight months after stepping foot on Baylor’s campus, Thomas not only started a scrimmage in place of Jones, who was battling an injury, but also took on the responsibility of leading all 11 defensive linemen on the field as captain.
“We were just talking here about how he wished he had put more pressure on the guys in the first half,” Aranda said. “There are always things you can do right now. Thinking about others and motivating them is something Keaton can bring. When he speaks, people listen. So there are all kinds of reactions to one thing. With Matt not being there, Keaton’s leadership has grown.”
For Thomas, the months have flown by, and although he has developed defensive strategies in his sleep, the moment he steps out of the tunnel to prepare for his return to the Big 12 has taken primary control.
In front of 50,223 sold-out spectators at McLane Stadium, a sleeping Thomas takes in the sights and sounds before the lights flicker and he opens his eyes every morning.
Big 12 football is back.
“(I’m) definitely a little nervous, just excited. I’ve been dreaming a lot about the season the last few weeks and when you’re a young boy watching all these big games on TV, it’s all a dream come true,” Thomas said. “I want to make the most of it, have fun and represent my family and school well.”
