Miami was able to add an elite level playmaker to the 2017 recruiting class today when 4-star WR Jeff Thomas (East St. Louis, IL) committed to Mark Richt and the Hurricanes.

A top 50 player in the 2017 recruiting class, Thomas brings a great skillset, elite speed, and top notch playmaking ability to the Canes’ offense. When you consider pairing the electric Thomas with Ahmmon Richards, Christopher Herndon IV, Mark Walton, and the other backs and receivers, one can’t help but get excited. Thomas is also an electric return man, which is something Miami has missed in recent years.

Thomas’ recruitment had been quiet up until recently. And that’s for good reason: Thomas had academic and personal issues as a HS underclassman. He was reportedly kicked off of his HS team, and removed from the Under Armour All-American game due to these issues. However, Thomas used those events as a wake up call, rededicated himself, got back on his HS team, and back into the Under Armour All-American game.

And, when he was at the UA game, Thomas did nothing but loudly announce his presence on the national stage. Thomas earned MVP honors for the game, ending the elite recruit showcase with 3 catches for 148 yards and 2 TDs, and a 45 yard kickoff return to boot. The yards and TDs are a record for the 10-year old Under Armour All-American game.

On top of that, you had to SEE how Thomas got his yards and TDs, because it was very impressive. Wanna see (or see again if you already saw)? Here you go:

Yeah. He’s GOOD.

Immediately after the UA All-American game, Thomas named local Illinois his leader. That quickly faded to the background as a number of teams, including Miami, increased their recruitment of the 5’11” 170lb dynamo. Miami had reportedly been in contact with Thomas behind the scenes for some time, and that early connection ended up paying off for the Canes in a big, big way.

Getting Thomas in this class is HUGE for Miami. He’s the 3rd WR commit in this class, joining Evidence Njoku and Mike Harley at this position for 2017. ATH Early Enrollee DeeJay Dallas could also play WR at TheU. Thomas committed to Miami over 16 other offers including named finalists Louisville and Oregon.

Enough of my talking. Feast your eyes on the glory that is Jeff Thomas’ offensive HLs. (Full disclosure, he played DB too and was pretty good at it, but his future is on offense tormenting opposing defenders).

Hell. Yeah.

WELCOME TO THE U, JEFF!