Rara Continuing To Grow
April 04, 2022 | Football, Joel Coleman
Receiver Rara Thomas keeps getting better this spring.
STARKVILLE – Perhaps you were surprised last season when then-true-freshman Rara Thomas started making big plays.
A reminder for those of you who may have forgotten: Thomas caught 18 passes for 252 yards in 2021. He became one of quarterback Will Rogers' favorite targets over the back half of the season as Thomas made 14 catches for 194 yards and five touchdowns from October 23 through the end of the year.
If you were caught off guard by Thomas exploding onto the scene, well, you weren't alone. He was a bit taken aback himself, even as he enjoyed every minute of it.
"It was great," Thomas said, reflecting back on it all. "I didn't know I was going to play that much. But when [injury issues for others came up], Coach put me in. I started making plays and it just happened like that the rest of the season."
Thomas put the exclamation point on last year's win at Vanderbilt with a 28-yard scoring reception. He found the end zone on a 25-yard pass from Rogers that put the Bulldogs up by three touchdowns in an eventual victory over Kentucky.
At Arkansas, Thomas set single-game career highs in receiving yards (63) and touchdowns (two), while also notching his longest career reception (37 yards).
He closed out the year with a postseason score, catching a pair of passes for 32 yards and a touchdown in the Liberty Bowl.
It's safe to say it was a special year for Thomas. But now, the goal is to build on it. That's what this spring is all about for the Eufaula, Alabama, native.
Thomas says this spring, he's focusing on his footwork. He's trying to get faster. Those are his primary concerns.
Outside receivers coach Steve Spurrier, Jr., is looking to see growth in all areas.
"Rara has a lot of talent, but he's still very raw to the position," Spurrier, Jr. said. "He really didn't play a lot of receiver in high school. He does catch the ball really well, which always gives him a chance, but he's got to learn the nuances of the game and keep getting better. That's what spring is for. He needs to improve, and he will."
As Spurrier alludes to, Thomas is still a bit of a blank canvas when it comes to his future. Thomas didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school, so the 2022 season will only be his fourth year playing on the gridiron.
It's part of the reason for why, as good as Thomas has been already, there is still much untapped potential.
"Rara needs to keep coming out of his shell a little bit," head coach Mike Leach said. "I think Rara's good plays are really good. He's got to be able to do it every time. Right now, he's fighting consistency I think."
The steps to becoming a better, more consistent Rara are already being taken by Thomas. And there's plenty of help.
There's the knowledge he gained from a certain record-breaking receiver who might be hearing his name called in the NFL Draft later this month.
"I learned everything from [Makai Polk]," Thomas said. "He taught me everything I know."
There's the relationship with his quarterback.
"I love Will [Rogers]," Thomas said. "He comes ready to work every day."
Then there's the battles with State's talented defensive backs, including one in particular that gives Thomas headaches.
"Emmanuel Forbes, he's a tough guy," Thomas said.
But challenges from Forbes and others are good. Iron sharpens iron, you know? It's all serving to make Thomas the very best version of himself, and he expects to reap the dividends come the fall.
"I feel like I'm going to have a way better season, get a lot more touches and have a lot more yards," Thomas said.
