By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The 2020 West 10 Media Male Athlete of the Year is Omari Thomas, graduate of Briarcrest Christian School and currently at the University of Tennessee.
Already seeing action in his freshman campaign for Volunteer Football, Thomas recorded a career-high two tackles, including his first-career tackle for loss in win over Missouri on Oct. 3. He made his Tennessee debut in season-opening win at South Carolina on Sept. 26, recording one tackle.
Thomas, the son of Romarcus and LaWanda Thomas, racked up an impressive resume’ to earn the honor that represents the best male athlete in the coverage areas of The Bartlett Express, The Collierville Herald-Independent, The Germantown News/Shelby Sun Times, The Leader and The Millington Star.
The award is for the area’s best student/athlete 2019-2020 TSSAA athletic calendar.
Thomas was one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the nation. He was a four-star recruit by 247, ESPN and Rivals.
Thomas was considered the No. 90 overall prospect in the country by 247 and the No. 10 at his position. His time at Briarcrest helped Thomas be ranked the No. 2 overall prospect in the state of Tennessee by 247.
He led the Saints to the Tennessee Division II-3A playoffs Quarterfinals as a senior in 2019.
Thomas was a member of the 2020 All-American Bowl and ranked No. 11 at his position nationally by Rivals.
He was the recipient of the 2019 Division II-3A Tennessee Mr. Football and 2019 Memphis Touchdown Club Player of the Year. Thomas was named to the 2018 All-USA Tennessee Football First Team Offense and he was selected for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star Game. Thomas also earns this award from West 10 Media by playing basketball, tennis and track & field (shot put).
