RB Amari Thomas (6-0 195) of Blountstown, FL recently de-committed from Florida State and immediately became one of the top running back targets available for the 2026 class. Thomas had been committed to the Seminoles for about six months, yet the Gamecocks and others never backed off. Clemson is more of a late entry into these sweepstakes.
“Maybe I need somebody that’s going to wow me, know what I mean? Thomas said about his current state of mind on his recruiting. “Everything is good, nothing crazy. I don’t have a decision in mind. South Carolina stays in touch, keeps me updated on things.”
Thomas confirmed that he’s aware of the recruiting networks projecting him to the Gamecocks. Asked if those projections are accurate, Thomas responded, “I wouldn’t say that.”
Thomas did say he’s about 75-80 percent on making his next decision, which he will announce at his school on August 9th at 3:00 PM. He also said he’s pretty much 50-50 on a favorite.
Clemson, like USC, doesn’t have a running back in this 2026 class. Running backs coach CJ Spiller has been in his ear of late.
“Clemson is good. I need to go up there and see what they’re talking about. Probably visit in September, but it’s not for sure,” Thomas said. “Coach Spiller is just real. He’s a nice guy. He played in the league. He told me I’m a good back. He’s been completely honest with me. He told me if I was to go up there, I wouldn’t start right off the bat. I’d have to work my up the depth chart. I told him I was fine with that if I was to go to Clemson. I put them in a good part of the picture.”
Asked if he could possibly choose Clemson despite never having visited there, Thomas said, ” Honestly, yeah. I honestly could.”
Colorado just jumped into the picture as well with Thomas, offering him earlier in the week.
“I like what I’m hearing from Colorado,” he said. “I like the coach so far. Colorado, they’ve got a lot of Florida people on the staff.”
Thomas said along with USC, Clemson and Colorado, he is considering UCF, and he still has Florida State on his list as an option.
Over the last two seasons combined, Thomas has rushed for over 3200 yards and 56 touchdowns.
Just a point of clarification, he decommitted from FSU and not recommitted to FSU, correct? Thanks for all of the content as I am in a Carolina sports desert.
That’s correct and thanks for the catch.