One of the new offers dispensed by USC Thursday went to SAF Jourdan Thomas (6-2 190). The Gamecocks aren’t the first to offer Thomas, but they are the first from the SEC to do so. His other offers are from Indiana, Coastal Carolina, Troy, Akron, Bethune-Cookman, Marshall and Western Kentucky. To say Thomas was grateful to hear from Gamecock secondary coach Torrian Gray would be an understatement.
“I started out talking with Coach Gray and he said how he likes how I play the game. He had just watched my film,” Thomas said. “We chatted for a bit and he gave me an offer. It was truly a blessing. It was unexpected. It’s my first SEC school and I’m just glad Coach Gray took a chance on me and saw my potential. Now that they’ve offered me, I truly do give them serious thought because they produce a lot of NFL defensive backs and that’s what I’m trying to get to. They are definitely in the top right now.”
Thomas said he and Gray had a great initial conversation a they have started the process to get to know one another better.
“He said I’m aggressive, real down hill,” Thomas said. “He liked my versatility because on my film I was everywhere. I play all five DB positions. He just liked the versatility, my instincts and the way I play the game overall. That’s why he offered me. I told him it was one of my dream schools because I was watching South Carolina when Stephon Gilmore was going there. He was excited to offer me and I was excited, too. We both had the mutual feelings and we both look forward to building a relationship with each other.”
Thomas said he’s not sure when he’ll make his decision. He could go all the way to next February. But, that could come sooner if he decides to graduate early.
Last season Thomas had 58 tackles along with 7 sacks and 6 interceptions.
USC Thursday also offered WR Dane Key (6-2 170) of Lexington, KY. He’s rated a four-star in the 247Sports Composite and ranked 31st nationally. HIs father played at Kentucky. Last two seasons Key had 67 catches for 1309 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also offers from Oregon, Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi State, Northwestern, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Penn State, Kansas, Maryland, West Virginia, Purdue and Michigan State.
The Gamecocks also offered ATH DeMario Tolan (6-3 205) of Kissimmee, FL. Some of is other offers include Texas A&M, Missouri, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and LSU.
Also getting a USC offer was CB Andre Stewart (6-0 169) of Snellville, GA. Rated a three-star in the 247Sports Composite and ranked 34th nationally. Auburn, Arizona State, Virginia, Indiana and Mississippi State are some other offers.
And the Gamecocks offered 2024 ATH Jayden Lewis (6-0 175) of Anniston, AL. He also has an offer from Florida State.
