Omari Thomas Represents Vols On SEC Football Leadership Council

Football
February 08, 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee defensive lineman and Memphis native Omari Thomas serves as the Volunteers’ representative on the Southeastern Conference Football Leadership Council, and the group convened last weekend at the SEC offices in Birmingham.

Thomas, an SEC Academic Honor Roll member majoring in journalism and electronic media, is serving on the council for the second straight year. He enters his third season with the program in 2023 after establishing himself as a mainstay on the defensive front.

Agenda items included a meeting with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, a review of NCAA and SEC legislative items, a conversation with SEC Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Katie O’Neal, and engagement with football officials on rules of the game, student-athlete/referee interaction and careers in officiating. The group also reviewed SEC student-athlete enhancement opportunities and discussed prioritizing mental health.

Thomas said the two-day experience was rewarding and educational.

“It means a lot just knowing I represent our team and our university,” Thomas said. “It was a great experience to be in this position, and I take a lot of pride in it. When they reached out to be me about doing it, I was like ‘absolutely yes.’ This is something bigger than football. It gives us a chance to expand our brands and show leadership. I learned from the other players there, just like they learned from me. We all bring something different to the table. I try to carry myself in a way where my team knows I am representing them, and we all look out for each other.”

Thomas had the opportunity to visit with Commissioner Sankey, along with the 13 other league representatives.

“I was impressed with Commissioner Sankey,” Thomas said. “He is very open about hearing our voices. He genuinely cares about the student-athlete, and we all work together. He believes in us, and he believes in this conference.”

The Football Leadership Council is one of three components of the SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council. The other two components are the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Leadership Councils. Student-Athlete Leadership Councils for the sports of football and men’s and women’s basketball, along with the conference’s longstanding Student-Athlete Advisory Council…