Badgers linebacker Jaheim Thomas is no stranger to Alabama, but he faces big challenge against Tyler Booker
MADISON − Match fire with fire.
The best part about marquee football games like the one coming up in Madison is watching the matchups within the matchup. So on Saturday, keep an eye on Wisconsin’s 6-foot-4 linebacker Jaheim Thomas going up against Alabama’s 6-5 left guard Tyler Booker.
Thomas, who had 3.5 sacks a season ago, probably will line up across from Booker in the second level for several snaps Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. Thomas provides Wisconsin's best threat from that group to lasso Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, who is more of a 50-50 pass-run quarterback with four rushing touchdowns already this season.
But to get to Milroe, Thomas likely is going to have to get by the talented and versatile Booker, who already has a pro frame to go with good footwork and awareness. It means Thomas, a transfer from Arkansas and Cincinnati, will have to get creative for Wisconsin's defense to put any pressure on Booker and Milroe − and he'll rely on his athleticism to do that.
"It means being able to bend ... and if he sets the outside, we got calls and plays where we can go inside," Thomas said this week after practice at the McClain Center. "So really it’s athleticism, using our speed to lean the edge and get around those guys."
Thomas was a starter for Arkansas last year and had 10 tackles in an October game against Alabama. Arkansas scored 8 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, but eventually lost 24-21. But that game gave Thomas a lot of experience to help him plan for this year's matchup − even though Alabama has changed significantly in the year − now that he's suiting up for the Badgers.
Thomas' read on No. 4 Alabama this year is that the team plays different now, with Milroe trying to sit in the pocket a whole lot more and make sure his first option isn't running. He said Alabama tries to run more this year from their backs.
Thomas, who already is on the Senior Bowl 2025 'watch list', could expect to face a double team now and then as Alabama tries to run protect. He'll still have to try to crack the code to get by Booker − who was moved to left tackle last week in Alabama's win against South Florida.
"It depends on when I blitz," Thomas said. "It really depends on the call and the situation and the formation that we want to be playing against them."
Obviously, putting pressure on Booker, the Alabama line and Milroe can change the game, but how can Thomas make an impact even if he doesn't get a sack or a quarterback hurry?
"I would say, definitely stopping the run," said Thomas, who had 90 tackles last year. "Making sure I'm a force and stopping the run every single time that I get those opportunities. Stopping the run and trying to be in the window of those rollouts, just making sure I can be a force in front of him."
One thing that will not rattle Thomas? The stage. He was the No. 5 overall recruit in Ohio back in high school and he faced Alabama already a year ago. It won't matter what attention he gets − from scouts, from the pros watching on Saturday, or from family and friends for the game. He won't hide from it; he will just accept it and refocus.
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"That's definitely something that's on your mind, that's something definitely to think about, because it is a big opportunity," Thomas said. "But really, what I try to do is just try to squeeze out and just focus on my job, on that certain play or or that certain formation, and let those opportunities take care of themselves.
"I played these guys last year, so I'm a little bit more used to it. I talk to my family, they're always going to hype the game up and everything like that. But it's just something I just had to just tell myself, it's just another game. You know, it's a big opportunity − but it's just another game."
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Badgers Jaheim Thomas faces big challenge vs. Alabama's Tyler Booker
