Thomas Tackling Bruin History

DeShaun Foster earned prose and poetry as he high-stepped, swiveled and streaked his way to a litany of UCLA records against Washington.

And though the spotlight around him is almost blinding, as evidenced by the group of reporters who interviewed him after Saturday’s game and throughout this week, he isn’t the only Bruin setting records. Middle linebacker Robert Thomas has 16 tackles for a loss, good for sixth most in UCLA history and six away from tying Marvcus Patton’s school record set in 1989.

Thomas has been an annoyance to offensive lineman through five games, in some cases terminating plays immediately after the ball is handed off.

It’s no wonder he recently caught himself scanning the single-season record list for tackles for a loss: Patton, Donnie Edwards (21 in 1994) and Carnell Lake (19 in 1987) are at the top. Jamir Miller is tied for fourth with 18 in 1993.

Thomas’ consensus: That’s pretty good company.

“It’s all the great linebackers that have been here,” he said. “It makes me feel pretty good about myself to be part of that elite group.”

The leading tackler in the Pac-10, Thomas had 12 tackles, including three for losses, against Washington.

He should package one particular series of downs in the fourth quarter and forward it to the Butkus Award committee.

With Washington facing first-and-goal at the two, Thomas stopped Rich Alexis for a three-yard loss. On fourth down at the five, he broke up a pass at the goal line. The Bruins took over, and Foster reeled off a 92-yard run two plays later.

Thomas also helped set the tone in the first quarter, stopping Willie Hurst for a three-yard loss on third-and-two.

“He’s an animal,” said outside linebacker Brandon Chillar. “It seems like right when the play starts, he’s in their backfield making a tackle.”

Thomas said he’s fine with Foster snaring the media attention.

“He’s the best back in the country in my eyes,” Thomas said. “I’m praising him too.”

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Third down has been a problem for the last three Bruin opponents.

Ohio State, Oregon State and Washington converted just six of 47 third downs (12.8%).

“That’s outstanding,” Toledo said. “I think we’re getting a lot of pressure by our front people, so the quarterbacks aren’t having a lot of time to throw the football.”

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There are no more general admission tickets for the Oregon game on Nov. 10.

A little more than 6,000 reserved seats are available.