Thomas flips to Beavers
After a busy weekend hosting four official visitors, coaches Gary Andersen, Telly Lockette and TJ Woods boarded a private LearJet early this morning and flew across the country for an in-home visit with Jacksonville (Fla.) Ed White running back Taylor Thomas.
The 5-foot-8, 180 pound back has been committed to Utah since August, but visited Corvallis this past weekend.
Advertisement
During the in-home visit, Thomas told Coach Andersen that he was changing his commitment and committed to Oregon State.
I just want to thank the university of Utah in the fans for everything but I'm flipping my commitment to Oregon state university- Tae Thomas ™ (@Grind_Shine2) January 19, 2015
What stood out to Thomas during the visit?
"All of the players and coaches," he said. "All of the coaches had been recruiting me at other programs so it was ironic that they all ended up in the same place. The school is also a great fit and everything is so close together."
"It meant a lot that Coach Andersen and the other coaches flew all the way out here to see me," he added. "They showed me a lot of love and respect and the conversation never changed with them."
Thomas confirmed that he will take part in this weekend's West Coast Bowl and is excited to showcase Florida talent. He also contacted Ute running back coach Dennis Erickson to let him know that he was solid with Oregon State and would not be making the trip to Salt Lake City on January 30.
Thomas was the top running back prospect that Oregon State was recruiting for the 2015 class. They are expected to sign a second running back in this year's class to build depth.
In an article from our network partner, UteZone.com, after his Utah commitment, Coach Pierson, his coach at Ed White, had great things to say about Thomas.
"He kind of burst onto the scene last year and he had a great season," said Pierson. "You know, I've been coaching for, this is my eleventh year now, he's probably the best open field kickoff returner and punt returner that I've seen in eleven years."
Thomas combines speed - clocking in with a 4.47 40 - with vision and patience. When he steps on campus, Thomas should instantly compete for a kick-returning role.