R Mason Thomas had the benefit of being healthy for the entire 2024 season, and he took advantage of the opportunity.

A junior defensive lineman for the Sooners, Thomas played in all 12 regular-season games for OU. Thomas led OU in sacks with nine in 2024 and also notched one defensive touchdown, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

“To have this season, it’s special,” Thomas said.

Thomas’ journey to his standout 2024 season was arduous.

As a freshman, Thomas suffered a high-ankle sprain in 2022. He sprained his other ankle in 2023.

Thomas played in just 12 games between his freshman and sophomore seasons. That caused him to doubt himself entering 2024.

“You sprain both ankles, obviously you’re gonna have a setback at the time,” Thomas said. “I doubted myself a bunch, but I should give all that worry and anxiety to the Lord.”

It didn’t take long for Thomas to hit his stride in 2024.

In OU’s first three games — all of which the Sooners won — Thomas recorded seven total tackles, five solo tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one defended pass. His production continued throughout the year, as Thomas recorded 0.5 sacks or more in seven of Oklahoma’s 12 regular-season games.

His breakout year culminated in OU’s regular-season finale against LSU in Baton Rouge.