San Francisco 49ers

49ers' Brandon Thomas has impressed head coach Jim Tomsula at OTAs

Published May. 28, 2015 3:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Brandon Thomas is making a name for himself at OTAs. Thomas has been working with the first team and is impressing his head coach.

Thomas was a third-round pick out of Clemson in 2014, but did not play for the 49ers his rookie year because of an ACL tear in a pre-draft workout. Now that he is healthy, he is showing what he can do on the field.

"You talk about a wonderful guy, but a guy who has really worked hard," Head coach Jim Tomsula told the 49ers official website after the first week of Organized Team Activities.

Tomsula is proud of the way he has fought to get back on the field and is putting the injury behind him.

"When you come back off a leg (injury), you’re medically cleared but now you have to get football going," Tomsula said. "There’s a period of time there, (but) you see it now. Those little hitches in the giddy-up, they’re going away every day. it’s just getting better. He’s doing really well."

Thomas took it upon himself the year he was injured to study the game and strengthen his leg, so he could be ready for his opportunity.

"Last year I took it upon myself to focus in film study," Thomas said. "That was a major part because I knew I wasn’t going to be able to get out there on the field. Film room was a big part for me and especially the weight room. I got my legs stronger and I’m just ready to go."

Thomas will be competing for a starting guard spot on the 49ers offensive line.

(h/t San Francisco 49ers)