LSU keeps safety Jhase Thomas in-state
After a busy summer filled with twists and turns, three-star DB Jhase Thomas has locked in his college decision.
Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound safety from Destrehan (La.) High in Louisiana, committed in-state to LSU on Saturday while celebrating his 17th birthday. Thomas, the son of former New Orleans Saints cornerback Fred Thomas, picked the Tigers over Houston, Texas Tech, Ole Miss and Colorado, other finalists for the talented defender from The Boot.
"LSU is right up the street and I've been there a few times and have gotten close with my position coach and Coach Brian Kelly, with Coach Frank Wilson, and I'm really close with this coaching staff, which has been recruiting me since my freshman year."
Since arriving in Baton Rouge, first-year Tigers DB Blake Baker and safeties coach Jake Olsen have been doing their homework on Thomas, who has been cross-training at wide receiver and then defensive back during the past few years at Destrehan High School.
Since getting acclimated at safety and putting together a productive spring, the LSU staff only amplified its interest in Thomas. Kelly offered Thomas in June during the Tigers' elite camp after testing well and showing out during various drills in front of the staff.
"Since the coaching change, I've been able to build good relationships with those guys," Thomas started.
"It's been amazing to know those guys and have them get to know me," he continued. "They came to watch me play in the spring game a few weeks before the camp. They were able to see me live in action, and then I came back to camp so they could see me in individual drills and how I performed in one-on-ones, and showcased my talent."
During that period, Thomas got a glimpse into his fit at LSU and never looked back.
"It was a surreal experience. I was a kid a few years ago wondering if I'd ever get offered. My recruitment got started early in my sophomore year, but I switched positions and finally found a home at DB last year. To perform well at camp and after testing Coach Kelly walked up to offer me face-to-face, he doesn't do that for everyone."
"It was a crazy feeling to get that offer and that feeling to be able to soak it all in," Thomas added.
"Being able to hear that from BK was amazing… to be able to attend school, to get a very good degree and compete for national championships … you can’t get that anywhere else.”
