RB Gathering Offers

Every year a select few running backs come out of the high school level with the total package. That’s the case with Travis Thomas, who puts together the rare combination of size, speed, and instincts. Being such a natural at running back, Thomas has dozens of schools in contact with him, and he already has his share of offers.

“Right now I’m hearing from a lot of schools,” the 6-foot-0, 197-pound running back said. “I have about a dozen offers, and I think I’ll be getting a lot more as the season gets going.”

Among those who have offered, Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse, Boston College, Wisconsin, and Iowa stand out. Although Thomas says he has no favorite, he appears to be looking hard at schools that have demonstrated a commitment to running the football.

“I’m not going to name any school as a leader, or narrow it down. I’m still in the process of doing that, and by the middle of the season I should have a top five. That’s when I know where I’ll take my official visits too.”

Thomas will play offense and defense this year. Naturally, he’ll play running back on offense, and he’ll be an outside linebacker on the other side of the ball. Last year he utilized his speed in the 40-yard dash of 4.4 seconds a lot, en route to rushing for 1,100 yards, gaining 300 yards receiving and scoring 23 total touchdowns. On defense he posted over 60 tackles.

With the loss of 21 starters, Thomas’ Washington, Pa. team has a lot of work to do. He knows that he’ll have to step up and elevate his game.

“We have a bunch of new guys coming in, and the high school game is a lot different compared to junior high. I know that all I can do is be a role model and play 100-percent and be an example.”