Unfortunately, injuries have prevented Thomas from truly taking that next step. Injuries and his inability to put on weight as a defensive end have hampered his abilities to fully breakout for the Fighting Irish defense, but he has played in some meaningful games on special teams and on defense.

The No. 1 goal for the Texas native this fall camp is to remain healthy. He missed a couple of games last season due to a concussion and has missed some time in previous off seasons due to injuries. Remaining on the field is the primary goal for Thomas throughout fall camp. His other major goal is to put on more weight. There's never been any questions around his athletic ability, length and get-off on the defensive line. At one point this offseason, Thomas weight in at a staggering 207-pounds when the initial winter roster was released.

He's since worked his way back up to the 215-range, but his ideal playing weight should be around 220 to 225. For the 6-3, 215-pound defensive end, his goal this fall camp is to continue to give defensive coordinator Chris Ash and new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge more reasons to put him on the field. When he's been on the field, he's produced and made an impact. Now, it'll be up to Thomas to remain available and up to the coaching staff to focus on what he can do for the defense, not what he can't do.

Thomas should be an integral part of the defensive end rotation this fall. The rotation behind Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young is up for debate. Thomas is the only player waiting in the wings that has multiple years of experience in the Notre Dame program. The other depth pieces are a transfer from Alabama, Keon Keeley, and two true freshman Ebenezer Ewetade and Rodney Dunham.

Along with his duties on special teams, this has to be a season where Thomas forces his way onto the field because the talent behind him is exceptional. He has the physical capabilities and athleticism to make an impact, and he's as twitchy of an edge rusher as they have on the roster. The Texas native has the opportunity this season to solidify the rotation at defensive end. That's his expectation for this fall.

It's unlikely that Thomas will ever be at the playing weight of Traore, Young, Dunham, Keeley or Ewetade, but his physical tools make him a weapon on third down situations. If the 6-3, 215-pound defensive end carves out a role for himself situationally, that would be a really good season for the rising junior.

A GOOD SEASON FOR THOMAS WOULD BE ....

Locking down a spot in the rotation. The talent within the defensive end room, and really the defensive line as a whole, is outstanding, but the depth behind the projected starters on the edge is relatively unproven and an open position battle heading into fall camp. Thomas, Keeley, Dunham and Ewetade are all fighting for spots in the rotation and all have the opportunity to contribute this season.

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