A firm commitment, for now Thomas saga continues with WR returning to Miami after all
For Jeff Thomas, it seems a new coach means a new beginning.
The sophomore wide receiver, who was dismissed from Miami’s program by former coach Mark Richt in November and said as recently as Monday that he was planning to play at Illinois in 2019, announced on Instagram late Tuesday night he was returning to Coral Gables.
And Manny Diaz — Miami’s new coach — indicated publicly he is more than welcome, posting a photo both on Twitter and Instagram of Thomas in last year’s game against rival Florida State, a game in which Thomas was injured when he was pulled down by the facemask.
“Tuff decision. But I have decided to keep playing football and earning my degree at the University of Miami,” Thomas wrote on Instagram. “Thanks to the University of Illinois for giving me the opportunity to accomplish my future dreams. Please with all do [sic] respect. Respect my decision, thanks. #GoIllini #GoCanes.”
On Wednesday, the school confirmed Thomas will be rejoining the Hurricanes in a one-sentence statement.
Thomas’ decision to return caps a wild series of events, including Thomas in November disputing Richt’s account that he was dismissed, the receiver signing a financial-aid agreement with Illinois in December and Thomas telling reporters as recently as Monday that he planned to join the Illini despite reports to the contrary.
Thomas’ return instantly gives Miami back one of its speediest, most electrifying playmakers.
Despite missing the Hurricanes’ regular-season finale and bowl game against Wisconsin, Thomas finished the year as the Hurricanes’ leading receiver.
He totaled 563 yards with three touchdowns on 35 catches. He also was was second on the team behind running backs DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer with 1,063 total yards. Against Virginia Tech, Thomas had a memorable, dazzling 51-yard punt return for a touchdown.
The possibility of Thomas’ return to the Hurricanes surfaced last weekend when the receiver removed all references to Illinois on his social-media accounts.
Later, during a Monday morning radio interview with WQAM, new Hurricanes offensive coordinator Dan Enos indicated conversations might have taken place at Miami that would have opened the door for Thomas’ return.
“Hopefully that will all work out,” Enos said in the interview.
Later Monday, though, Thomas told the NewsGazette of central Illinois he was on his way to Illinois and was “really excited to get started.”
It seemed then as if the Hurricanes were turning the page and moving forward, especially considering the program got a commitment from Buffalo receiver K.J. Osborn, a graduate transfer. But now, Thomas will be in the Miami receivers room, too.
“Tuff decision. But I have decided to keep playing football and earning my degree at the University of Miami.” —Jeff Thomas on Instagram