It has been a busy recruitment for 2026 four-star defensive back Jordan Thomas out of Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, N.J.
Thomas ranks as the No. 3 prospect in the state of New Jersey, No. 21 safety and No. 244 overall prospect in the 2026 Rivals250.
He has already received more than 30 scholarship offers in his recruitment, including Alabama, Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Maryland, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, Texas, Texas A&M, USC, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin and others.
It's still early on in the process for the Rivals250 athlete, though, and he is yet to really narrow down any front-runners on his list.
"There are a number of schools that I am currently building relationships with and I’m grateful for every opportunity," Thomas told Rivals.
Most recently, Thomas took summer unofficial visits to Ohio State (June 17), Texas (July 25), and Texas A&M (July 26).
The next step is for Thomas to finalize his fall visit plans. He does not yet have his schedule set, but he is currently in the process of deciding which programs he wants to see compete live in games throughout the 2024 season.
Overall, Thomas has been enjoying his recruiting process and looks at it as a blessing. He has been aided along the way by his advisor, Latish Kinsler, the president of football operations for LifeStyle Sports Agency. Kinsler starred for Cincinnati's football program during his college days and also spent time in the NFL.
"My recruitment process has been a dream come true and I am blessed for every opportunity," Thomas said. "Latish Kinsler has been an advisor along my journey (and has helped me out)."
Rivals currently lists Thomas as a safety, and while it is certainly possible he plays at the spot at the college level, Thomas noted that the majority of schools are looking at him as a cornerback right now.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Thomas has positional versatility and impacts the game in many facets for Bergen Catholic, including on offense as a wide receiver, on defense in the secondary or on special teams. Thomas is physical and shows off impressive ball skills, instincts and range.
"Most schools are recruiting me as a cornerback, however, they are aware that I can be utilized in other positions if needed," Thomas explained. "I describe my playing style as being a game-changer!"
As a sophomore in 2023, Thomas helped lead the Crusaders to an 11-1 overall record (with the team's only loss coming to 14-0 Chaminade-Madonna from Hollywood, Florida) and the program's third consecutive New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A state title.
During his junior campaign in 2024, the goal for Thomas and Bergen Catholic is of course to make it a four-peat.
"My goals for this season are to dominate in every aspect of the game and lead my team to another state championship," Thomas explained.
Thomas does not yet have a commitment timeline in mind or an idea of when he wants to cut down his schools list. For now, he will continue to build relationships and take things day by day.
