Arkansas defensive tackle Robert Thomas, a senior considered among the Razorbacks' top NFL prospects, suffered a college-career-ending injury against South Carolina Saturday.
Razorbacks coach Bret Bielema said Thomas will require three to four months of rehabilitation, effectively ending his Arkansas career, according to the Twitter feed of Tom Murphy of the Arkansas Domecrat Gazette. Following Arkansas' loss to South Carolina, Bielema confirmed Thomas suffered a broken bone in his left leg.
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The 6-foot-3, 325-pound starter had been off to a strong start this season with 31 tackles in seven games, including six for losses and 3.5 sacks. Two of his sacks had come in Southeastern Conference play, and his play had drawn significant attention from NFL scouts.
Defensive tackles who can be disruptive, such as Thomas, are very difficult to find in the NFL, so expect scouts to follow Thomas' rehab and recovery closely. Based on Bielema's time frame, Thomas could be recovered in time for the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, although his participation could be limited.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread.*
