Noles rising for Louisiana RB

One of Louisiana’s top players has shifted a new school into his latest top five.

Reserve East St. John running back Derron Thomas has listed Miami, LSU, Colorado, Nebraska and Michigan at the top of his list since early this summer, but the Hurricanes have been dropped in favor of rival Florida State in recent weeks.

“They’re one of the schools that have offered, and I got to talk to coach Heggins on the phone last week,” Thomas said. “I like their program and the offense. It could be a good fit for me.”

Thomas (6-0, 185, 4.45) says he doesn’t have a No. 1 school at this point. He considers all five to be on equal footing until he makes some visits this fall.

“I went to Tulane’s game against Mississippi State last night,” he said. “I’ll be going to LSU’s game against Georgia this weekend. And on Oct. 11, I’m going to the Florida State-Miami game. I’ll probably go to some more, but I’m not sure which ones yet.”

Thomas currently has 13 scholarship offers. In addition to his top five, he’s received offers from Tulane, Southern Miss, Louisville, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, Indiana and Louisiana-Lafayette.

Other recent callers to the Thomas household included LSU, Michigan, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss and Michigan State. He spoke to Cornhuskers head coach Frank Solich, Cowboys head coach Les Miles and Spartans boss John L. Smith.

Asked about the keys to his recruitment, he said: “Education first. Then I’ll be looking at how early can I play; what kind of tradition do they have; can they contend for a national championship; my relationship with the coaches; how the offense fits me. Whether it’s close to home or far away, I don’t mind. I’m just looking for the best overall fit for me.”

Through two games this season, Thomas is off to a big start. In the season opener, he rushed for 221 yards and three touchdowns. Last week he added 103 yards in what he deemed a “bad game for us. I had two touchdowns called back.”

Academically, Thomas maintains a 3.6 GPA and has scored a 16 on the ACT.