QB Cody Thomas to Focus on Baseball

NORMAN — University of Oklahoma backup quarterback Cody Thomas is leaving the football program to focus on baseball, according to OU head football coach Bob Stoops.

Thomas, who just completed his redshirt sophomore season on the gridiron, played on the OU baseball team during the 2014 season as an outfielder, appearing in 14 games (one start) and registering one hit in 12 at bats. He did not play baseball during the 2015 season.

Cody Thomas

Picked in the 30th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft by the New York Yankees, Thomas was a three-time all-district selection in baseball at Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas, and and a two-time district MVP. He was also a two-time all-state honoree.

"I'm always for my players doing what they feel is best for them," said Stoops. "Cody has a dream to play baseball and he feels this is good for him. We support him and hope for the best for him."

Stoops also indicated that the door will be left open for Thomas to return to the football team if he chooses to do so.

"Sure, I'm always for my players," he said.

Thomas played in three football games this past season, completing one of three pass attempts. As a redshirt freshman in 2014, he played in seven games and made three starts, completing 30 of 66 pass attempts for 342 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing 23 times for 141 yards and one score.

Said OU head baseball coach Pete Hughes: "Cody approached me about trying out for our team and winning a roster spot and I obliged. Anytime we can have a quality kid and great competitor like that around our program is a bonus."

The OU baseball team opens the 2016 season Feb. 19 at home against Northeastern. The Sooners and Huskies are scheduled to play a four-game series.