A big boost

Charlie Strong’s out-of-state recruiting got a boost on Tuesday when Garrett Thomas verbally committed to the Texas Longhorns. Thomas is from western Louisiana (Many HS) and represents a unique opportunity for the Longhorns to make recruiting inroads into talent-rich SEC-country.

Although he has played multiple positions during his high school career, Thomas is most often projected as an offensive tackle in college. Recruited by Joe Wickline, Thomas was hotly pursued by half of the SEC and had offers from about 20 schools. Texas was his choice over a top 5 of OU, Ole Miss, South Carolina and Michigan.

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It’s easy to see why Thomas had schools from across the country stopping through Many, LA on recruiting visits. Standing at a legit 6’5″ and weighing 310 pounds, Thomas is blessed with size that allows him to maul other high school athletes. Click HERE (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/807665/garrett-thomas) for a look at defenders getting mashed.

With a 4.0 GPA, Thomas is hoping to be a December enrollee. Given the open depth chart in Austin, especially at OT, that plan has to be music to Wickline’s ears.

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Thomas performed well at the Rivals Camp Series in Hattiesburg, MS. Even though he’d already attracted plenty of attention early on in high school due to his body size and frame, his performance at the camp cemented Thomas as a prospect that would have his choice of colleges.

With Toby Weathersby, Patrick Vahe and Ronnie Major already committed to play for Wickline, Texas fans are beginning to get a glimpse of what the future looks like in the offensive trenches. Thomas is also further evidence of the importance of Wickline’s hire by Strong.