DE Jhaustin Thomas nearly commits to Florida Gators, also considering South Carolina, Alabama and Clemson
It's between Florida and South Carolina for Columbia HS two-sport standout Jhaustin Thomas (AJC photo by Michael Carvell)
One of the Georgia’s top defensive ends has named four finalists.
However, Jhaustin Thomas, says its really down to two schools.
“It’s between Florida and South Carolina,” Thomas told the AJC on Saturday evening.
The 6-foot-6, 240-pounder from Columbia High School attended Will Muschamp Camp earlier this month, and admits he nearly committed on the spot to Florida.
“At first, I was going to do it,” Thomas said. “Then I decided I wanted to visit some other schools to have something to compare with Florida, and to be sure I’m making the right choice. Because once I commit, it’s over.”
Thomas plans to visit South Carolina in July, and possibly his two other finalists — Alabama and Clemson. He wishes to commit before the start of his senior season.
“It’s going to be interesting where he goes,” Columbia coach Mario Allen said. “I know Florida, from my understanding after talking with Jhaustin, I know he’s leaning toward Florida. But I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end. It’s his decision.
“I’ve been trying to encourage Jhaustin to consider committing this summer because once football season is over, he goes straight into basketball. He’s one of the better basketball players in Class AAA. He won’t have time [to take official visits] and see the schools like he really wants to do. We’ll see how it all pans out. He has a lot of upside, a lot of upside.”
What do the college scouts like about Thomas? “His size, how well he dominates, and how well he plays with his hands. He’s just an athlete. He’s a kid with great size and strength who can run.”
Thomas is one of Atlanta’s top two-sport athletes, also starring at forward for Columbia’s basketball team. Thomas was a rebounding machine, averaging 9.4 per game last season, while helping Columbia win the state championship. His will focus on football in college but would like to play basketball, too, if the opportunity is presented.
Thomas also claimed an early offer from UGA. Defensive end is one of Georgia’s deepest positions for college prospects in 2012. UGA already has commitments from two prospective defensive ends in Georgia Military junior college’s Jalen Fields and Jenkins County’s James DeLoach; Georgia Tech also has a pair with Lanier County’s Junior Gnonkonde and Central Gwinnett’s Francis Kallon (the transfer from London, England).
– By Michael Carvell, AJC Recruiting Blog Got a recruiting item? mcarvell@ajc.com
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128 comments Add your comment
Blackoutanyone?
June 26th, 2011
4:13 pm
Ryan.. UGA has not given up on Drake either. If Bama pulls in another top RB u may see Drake & Taylor flip. Black grew up a fan of UF. But this seems to be a UA FSU battle with a decision coming soon. What’s this Jarvis Jones situation u speak of?
RRTDawgs
June 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
Good luck to Brent Benedict he is leaving UGA do to bad knee problems hope it works out for him now looks like Watts Dantzler or David Andrews will have to step up to fill the void .
Delbert D.
June 26th, 2011
4:18 pm
Coaches don’t have to “cut” players; they just don’t list them on the depth chart, and they don’t get many reps in practice.
Delbert D.
June 26th, 2011
4:21 pm
I have to give Richt credit for guaranteeing Benedict’s scholarship after he tore the ACL and MCL in his senior year.
RRTDawgs
June 26th, 2011
4:29 pm
I think now its good bet that one of our O- line targets will commit early with this news John Theus maybe Joe Harris is good possibility .
Blackoutanyone?
June 26th, 2011
4:31 pm
WnE… luck or do you think just maybe the coaches and people deep within the program have knowledge of these situations before tin hat wearing people like u do? Kelly had a heat related issue at his first practice last year and hasn’t seen the field since. Murphy would be in the 2 deep on the d-line so explain the rational to “cut” him? I’m on my phone or I would produce articles quoting the other players I listed and they’re desire for playing time. This happens when u bring in 4 straight top 3 recruiting classes. I’m still waiting for u to name just ONE player who was cut or forced to take a Med. Scholly. Shouldn’t be that hard since its such an epidemic at Alabama. You don’t sound too bright when u spout off but can’t produce any names or facts to support your lame excuses. Roll Tide
Blackoutanyone?
June 26th, 2011
4:42 pm
Delbert… Saban did the same for Pagan last year. If he doesn’t come back many like WnE will scream when Saban offers the med. hardship scholly.
Oversigning.com actually lists the late Arron Douglas in there list of players cut or forced out of the program so Bama can get down to 85. That’s just crazy.
wild one 13
June 26th, 2011
4:46 pm
Blackout, thanks for the backup. You will get no where with him. Corey Grant just announced that he will be at the barn come Monday morning for summer school and will walk on at auburn even though he will have to sit out a year.
A bama player leaves our team to play for our most hated rival and yet he still had nothing but praise for Bama and the things he learned there. Best of luck to Mr. Grant but, Roll Tide.
Delbert D.
June 26th, 2011
5:01 pm
Sometimes it’s useful to look at these situations from the individual’s perspective rather than from that of some grand scheme by the institution.
1eyedJack
June 26th, 2011
5:27 pm
A recruiting “opportunity” for UGA.
I understand that Benedict had some nerve damage from the knee injury and had problems making his foot do as he wished? If so he would never realize the potential he had coming out of high school.
Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do.
Brown Dog
June 26th, 2011
5:29 pm
Delbert, nice post. Every situation is different.
Saban’s teams rank near the top in most academic areas, and more of his kids graduate every year. If he ran the meat-grinder many on here accuse him of, why would he bother? More importantly, why would kids — and their families — line up year after year to play for him?
Seeing the world in black or white is easy. The gray inherent to every situation is far more interesting and far more accurate.
RRTDawgs
June 26th, 2011
5:36 pm
1eyedJack i think we may see commit at DawgNight John Theus will be there i don’t who is on the list but i hear its huge Brice Ramsey and Derrick Henry will be there .
Asleep at the wheel
June 26th, 2011
5:36 pm
@ Dawg…. Spurrier has not had a losing season at SC dip wad. No other SC coach has come close to that. Spurrier will make it two in a row against the pups while gettig the trifecta against Klimpson. Mark it down dip wad!
1eyedJack
June 26th, 2011
5:42 pm
RRTDawgs, when is DawgNight?
RRTDawgs
June 26th, 2011
5:47 pm
I believe somewhere around July 15th .
Blackoutanyone?
June 26th, 2011
6:14 pm
Wildone.. playing time was his issue. People don’t understand when u bring in this kind of talent they want to play. Only one football so someone will have to go. Hearing a WR is on the way out. Expect the backup qb mccarron or sims to be out either after fall camp or next spring.
Steve Spurrier
June 26th, 2011
7:08 pm
We’ve got it going on. Come line up opposite Clowney and we will continue to dominate.
ignition
June 26th, 2011
7:17 pm
@ Paddy
Take your confederate flag.. Find the tallest tree, an over 20ft one. Climb all the way up & find the strongest limb. Tie one end around that strong limb and the other around your neck & jump…
Stink Bomber
June 26th, 2011
8:00 pm
ASLEEP (DRUNK) AT THE WHEEL ====
LMFAO AT YOUR STUPID, DOPING POSTS….
SPURMIER IS A JOKE AND HIS ARSE WILL BE BEAT THIS YEAR, LITTLE MAN…
AND CLEMSON WILL TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS ALSO.
LAMECOCK…………….
Stink Bomber
June 26th, 2011
8:04 pm
NEVER, EVER SHOW DISRESPECT TO THE CONFEDERATE FLAG………….
NEVER……… EVER…………..
Recruiting | MrSEC.com
June 26th, 2011
8:24 pm
[...] Decatur, Ga., nearly committed to Florida during a visit to Gainesville earlier this month.“At first, I was going to do it,” Thomas told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Then I decided I wanted to visit some [...]
Blackoutanyone?
June 26th, 2011
8:48 pm
I would encourage all to Google James Jackson Ohio st transfer. There is an article out that quotes the former buckeye saying he was asked to transfer because the coaches had an oversigning issue. This can’t be because only the unethical SEC oversigns or so says oversigning.com who’s writer is a huge OSU fan. Still waiting on WnE to back up his lame post with a name. Still waiting….
RB Nick Tompkins commits to Michigan State over Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Illinois and Maryland | AJC College Sports Recruiting
June 27th, 2011
2:04 am
[...] Georgia two-sport star nearly committed to Florida, also considering South Carolina, Alabama and Clemson (click on story link) [...]
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 27th, 2011
9:13 am
Looks like S.C. and Florida are going to have to use their best sales pitch t get the kid decided one way or another. Now,if we could get this kid to say, bulk up about 80 pounds, UGA might want to recruit him, for the OL. I don’t believe I have seen as much attrition in one area of concern, like the offensive line, in my lifetime. Maybe it would be easier to accept, if they were banged up when playing another game, but darn, academics, weight room and spring practice. Can you spell, “snake bitten”. The young folks are really going to have to step up for UGA this year. Coach friend will have earned his pay for sure, if the O line can increase it’s learning curve with these youngster, that back up the starters.
GO DAWGS
schmeckdawg
June 27th, 2011
10:23 am
With a nickname like “Doobie,” he’ll fit right in with the gaytors!
Cedar Grove Football
June 27th, 2011
4:18 pm
I support his decision 2 go where is best suitable 4 the kid 2 Standout and achieve his goals. Just like with our QB The Johnathon McCrary… He Likes a good # of Universities over UGA. Wherever he goes it will be “The Pure Truth” as I like 2 call it on a Gridiron. Class of 2013.
Columbus
June 29th, 2011
1:06 am
@Sick and Tired. AND TO ALL DAWG MALCONTENTS! Go root for your school or another one besides UGA. We love our Dawgs and we GENUINELY love our coach. We believe in him. He sure beats Goff, Donnan, Dooley, DuBose, Franchione, Shula. Richt has won more than any of them Bama and UGA coaches except Dooley and as soon as he wins a NC he will be the best and winningest coach in UGA history to you and wll the other morons who don’t have a brain. His record SQUASHES DOOLEY”S AFTER 10 YEARS! And is among the WINNINGEST IN THE NATION SINCE HE HAS BEEN A COACH! His FIRST HEAD COACHING JOB! Would I like to pay more money than ANY University for the best coach that could be bought? That is what it took for Bama to get one to do the job. I would rather do it honest. Richt is about to kick Saban’s ass in the SEC championship the next few years. Alabama: The 2ND BEST TEAM IN THEIR STATE!
Who has been to the most SEC Championships in the last 10 years? UGA or BAMA? Who had the best record between UGA and BAMA’s over the last 10 years? The answer is UGA to both. UGA was DUE a couple REBUILDING years and NOW the DAWG has TURNED and is COMING to DOMINATE starting in 2012 and maybe a trip to the SEC Championship game again in 2011. So go and try and beat Auburn you Bama fans. To you sorry excuse for DAWGS, you are NOT DAWGS. YOU ARE WHINERS and CRYBABIES. If you would have been around when DOOLEY and BEAR BRYANT were coaching, they would have been FIRED LONG beforet they won the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! LOSERS GO HOME AND SHUT YOUR STUPID IGNORANT MOUTHS>>>PLEASE!
Jordan Watkins trims to 8: UGA, Alabama, Florida, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Stanford | AJC College Sports Recruiting
August 11th, 2011
1:50 am
[...] Two-sport star nearly committed to Florida, also considering South Carolina, Alabama and Clemson (click on story link) [...]