It wouldn’t be National Signing Day week without intrigue, and sure enough, a juicy college football recruiting tidbit popped up over the weekend: De’Anthony Thomas, a five-star prospect from Crenshaw High in Los Angeles, made a visit to Eugene and the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks made the national title game this year, and entertain top athletes all the time, so why is this news? Because Thomas has been verbally committed to Pac-12 rival USC since May. Clutch those pearls!
Thomas is Rivals’ top-ranked “athlete”, the second-ranked overall prospect in the state of California, and the No. 5 overall prospect nationally. (He is also apparently nicknamed “the Black Mamba,” but does not bear a striking resemblance to Uma Thurman.) This would be quite the get for Chip Kelly & Co., but SB Nation’s Addicted To Quack urges caution when trying to read too much into this:
2011 National Signing Day: De’Anthony Thomas Spurning USC For Oregon?
While apparently Thomas had a great visit, it sounds like reports of a commitment are premature. If the Ducks could somehow get Thomas on signing day, this would be an astounding coup. There have been no reports that Thomas has even been interested in Oregon throughout the entire recruiting process, in fact, Rivals doesn’t even list Oregon under “College Choices.” I find it hard to believe that a switch this late in the game is even possible. But hey, we can always hope, and watch his highlight tape.
Even without a commitment of Thomas, the Ducks will almost definitely sign the best class in school history.
Stay tuned to this StoryStream for more college football recruiting news as we draw ever closer to 2011 National Signing Day.
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