Bombers sign Thomas to contract extension

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This article was published 22/10/2015 (3723 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

He’s not particularly big or ferocious. But defensive tackle Jake Thomas knows his stuff and understands his role with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

For an organization that puts a great deal of stock in things such as character and work ethic, that means something. To that end, the club announced Thursday it has signed the 24-year-old Thomas, a New Brunswick product, to a two-year contract extension.

“I really like the city, the community. This is my fourth year here and see us moving more and more closer to something special,” Thomas said Thursday as the Bombers completed their final full practice before Saturday’s critical home game against the Ottawa Redblacks. “It’s a great group of guys and we’re still in the playoff hunt, even as crazy as that is with our record (5-11). I like the direction the organization is going and it’s good to feel wanted.”

Drafted in the fourth round, 29th overall, in 2012, Thomas has played in 64 games over his four years, registering 39 tackles, six sacks and one fumble recovery.

“The first thing you notice about Jake when you get him in a football environment, not just on the field, is he takes in all the information and he knows it all,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea. “He knows what everybody is supposed to do. He’s a guy you can rely on. If you had to throw a guy in there last second, he’d know what to do. And then when you get him on the football field, he plays with good leverage, good power and he can push piles around.

“I’d imagine there’s coaches around the league going, ‘Oh, Jake Thomas…’ And then after watching a few snaps they go. ‘Oh! Jake Thomas…’ To the guys in our organization it’s no surprise and to guys outside the organization he can surprise a few guys. He’s a quality guy.”

GOOD TO GO: Left tackle Stanley Bryant missed another day of practice Thursday but O’Shea insists he’ll be in the lineup against Ottawa. Bryant has been tending to a personal matter back home, but is expected back. Asked if he had any concerns about Bryant not practising all week, O’Shea added: “He’s a pro, right? He’s been emailed all the installations, the game plan. Here’s your guy, block him. Football’s an easy game.”

BLUE NOTES: The Bombers confirmed the addition of QB Bryan Bennett (Southeast Louisiana/Oregon) to their practice roster. Bennett was in Winnipeg on Wednesday. He was last with the Indianapolis Colts in their training camp and was a Walter Payton Finalists in 2013 and the Southland Conference Player of the Year while at Southeast Louisiana.

The club also released running back B.J. Catalon and receiver Jace Davis from the practice roster.

SICK BAY UPDATE: RB Paris Cotton, out since August with a broken arm, was in his gear but did not practise Thursday. Asked if fans might see him again soon, O’Shea said. “He’s just getting his groove back.” Receiver Kevin Cone had his arm in a sling Thursday after injuring his shoulder doing some post-practice work Wednesday… LB Moe Leggett did not practise Thursday, but will be ready for Ottawa.

Ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPEdTait