South Carolina LB names top three

One of the Palmetto State’s top defensive prospects has drawn a number of phone calls from some of the South’s top college programs in the last week.

“I’ve heard from Kentucky, South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Louisville, LSU, Ole Miss, Maryland, Wake Forest and East Carolina,” said North Augusta linebacker/defensive end Brandon Thomas. “It was good to hear from all of them. Some of them had already offered me scholarships, but the ones who haven’t told me that I was still in their plans and that they would be keeping a close eye on me during the season.”

Thomas (6-1, 230, 4.6) has drawn offers from Kentucky, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Louisville, Wake Forest and East Carolina.

“My top three right now are Kentucky, South Carolina and Georiga,” he said. “Kentucky has been up there for a while. Georgia is coming on a little bit. I like their program. They’re real strong right now. I’m looking forward to seeing them play and checking things out. Ole Miss was on my list earlier, but they’re falling off a little bit. I’m still talking to them, but I’m not as interested in them right now as the other three.”

Thomas has made two unofficial visits thus far. Two weeks ago, he attended the Louisville-Kentucky game. This past weekend, he was at South Carolina for the Virginia game.

“Kentucky was cool,” he said. “The crowd was really hyped up for a rivalry game. I liked the campus a lot. I know I’ll be taking an official visit there.

“South Carolina was a fun game. I like the type of defense they play and the way the linebackers are used. They’re pretty deep at that position, but I still think I could fit in. I liked the crowd and atmosphere there, too.”

This weekend, he plans to visit Georgia for the Bulldogs’ game against South Carolina.

North Augusta is off to a 2-0 start with Thomas starring in his first two games. In the opener, he had 11 tackles and two sacks. Last week, he had eight tackles and another sack.

As a junior, he recorded 85 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.

He’s also strong in the classroom, sporting a 2.9 GPA and a 1020 on the SAT.