EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings utilized a third-round pick they received from the Eagles as part of the compensation for outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (Minnesota also got a 2027 third-rounder as part of the deal) to add safety Jakobe Thomas.

The defensive back is listed at 6-1 1/4 and 211 pounds and comes to Minnesota on the heels of helping the Miami Hurricanes reach the CFP National Championship Game in his lone season in Coral Gables.

Here are five things to know about the Vikings new safety:

1. Impressed during playoff run

Thomas led the Hurricanes with 27 tackles during the College Football Playoff and garnered Defensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl (one of the games in the semifinal round this past season) honors after recording five tackles and two pass breakups against Mississippi.

The postseason continued an impressive 16-game run in his lone season in Miami. Thomas recorded 76 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five interceptions, six pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles last season. The five interceptions tied for seventh in FBS, and he took one the distance, crossing the goal line with intensity.

2. Backup to starter to backup to starter

Thomas began his college career at Middle Tennessee State University, about 45 miles from his hometown of Tullahoma.

He appeared in just one game as a freshman in 2021 but kept working his way up the depth chart, appearing in 12 games and making three starts in 2022. His sophomore season included 37 tackles, four interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Thomas moved into a starting role as a junior. In 11 games (10 starts), he totaled 71 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

He transferred to the University of Tennessee and appeared in 13 games as a reserve in 2024 before Miami reached out during its roster-building for 2025 and reaped rewards from signing Thomas, who earned Second-Team All-ACC honors.

3. Familiarity with Vikings

Seven of Minnesota's nine draft selections, including Thomas, visited Minnesota during the Vikings Top 30 program.

Thomas spoke after his selection about how welcoming, and even comforting, the experience was when he was participating in the unique job interview.

He proudly donned a Vikings draft hat, as well as a Vikings workout T-shirt, during his post-draft video interview and noted that he has enjoyed watching fellow Tennessean Harrison Smith play safety for the Vikings. Thomas was 9 when Smith debuted as a rookie in 2012.

It remains to be seen if Smith returns for a 15^th NFL season.

4. High school highs

In addition to playing cornerback and safety on defense, Thomas played receiver and running back for the Tullahoma Wildcats. He garnered 2019 Region 4-4A Athlete of the Year honors as a junior when he logged 29 receptions for 496 yards and six touchdowns to go along with 482 yards and eight scores on 68 rush attempts.

In 2020, Thomas primarily played running back and helped Tullahoma go 12-1, rushing for 886 yards and 16 touchdowns on 98 carries and catching 24 passes for 394 yards and five scores, reaching semifinalist status for Class 4A Mr. Football.

Additionally, he ran track and played basketball.

5. Finding football from the get-go

If it seems like Thomas has shown a nose for the football at multiple levels of the sport, it could have something to do with an extremely early photo op.

Asked when he fell in love with football, Thomas explained his mom has "a baby picture of me, the first picture she ever took of me, holding a football."

"I think from the moment I opened my eyes and came in this world, football has always been something that holds so much value in my heart," Thomas added. "There's been so many monumental moments in my life that have come from football, it makes me love the game that much more."

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