Tigers Continue to Strengthen Defense
LSU bolstered its defense on Saturday with the commitment of safety Jhase Thomas. The Destrehan High School standout picked LSU after teasing with Ole Miss and Houston hats at his announcement ceremony. His parents, including former New Orleans Saints cornerback Fred Thomas, were present for the event. So, what does four-star safety Jhase Thomas’ commitment mean for LSU?
A visit to LSU’s camp in June led to an offer from Brian Kelly after verifying Thomas’ impressive testing numbers. At 6’1” and 180 pounds, Thomas reportedly ran his 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second range. After the visit, public perception was that LSU was in a favorable position, even though Ole Miss was considered the leader before the LSU offer.
Thomas discussed his commitment to LSU with On3 Sports.
“It’s a dream that you grow up with, so being able to have the opportunity to go to that school is a dream come true. It’s always been a dream of mine that I’ve wanted to make happen,” Thomas said.
According to the 247 Sports Composite, Thomas is ranked as the 20th-best player in Louisiana and a three-star prospect. On3 Sports recently upgraded him to a four-star prospect, placing him as the 10th-best player in the state. Originally a receiver, Thomas is relatively new to playing safety, yet his junior year performance attracted several SEC and Big 12 schools.
What Thomas Brings to the Defense
Thomas’ offensive background gives him excellent ball skills, allowing him to focus on the ball more than the receiver when it’s in the air. He’s also a willing tackler with good form in open field tackles and an affinity for big hits. His physicality is evident on offense, defense, and special teams.
A multi-sport athlete, Thomas is also a key contributor to Destrehan’s track and field team, showcasing good speed with 100-meter dash times in the low 11s. His vertical and broad jump numbers highlight his explosiveness. As Thomas gains more experience in the defensive backfield, expect his ranking to rise.
Thomas joins a trio of defensive linemen in LSU’s recent string of defensive commitments. LSU has a trend of recruiting standouts from Destrehan, continuing with players like the Jefferson brothers, John Emery, Kolaj Cobbins, and now Jhase Thomas. Despite the transfer portal’s impact on high school recruiting, it remains crucial for maintaining program stability.
Who’s Next on Board?
Four-star receiver Derek Meadows was set to announce his decision on Saturday but postponed it to July 20th. LSU is in his final three choices along with Notre Dame and Michigan. Meadows, a 6’6” target from Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, holds LSU wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton in high regard, although Notre Dame remains a strong contender.
Florida native DJ Pickett, the top-ranked cornerback in the country, is set to announce his commitment on July 17th. LSU is competing with Oregon and Miami for Pickett, highlighting the importance of NIL in his recruitment.
Another elite five-star prospect considering LSU is wide receiver Jaime Ffrench from Florida. Ffrench, who has Louisiana ties, is set to commit in August and is choosing between LSU, Miami, Texas, and Tennessee. His commitment could help mitigate the impact of losing five-star Dakorien Moore to Oregon.
