Thomas commits to Owls

Outside linebacker coached by Luther Campbell at Miami Edison High School

The relationship between Lane Kiffin and Luther Campbell continues to grow.

After Kiffin held a Florida Atlantic preseason practice in 2017 at Liberty City’s Hadley Park, where the team was invited by the Miami hip-hop icon who also goes by Uncle Luke, the Owls received a commitment from a player coached by Campbell this high school football season.

Miami Edison senior outside linebacker Travon Thomas committed to FAU on Monday night.

“FAU is getting a young man that does not like football but loves it,” said Campbell. “He has a high motor, weightlifting freak of nature.

“I have linebackers at the University of Florida, Florida State and UCF, first-round picks, second-round picks. He’s the hardest-working player I’ve ever coached.”

That’s pretty high praise for the newest member of FAU’s 2019 recruiting class, considering the players Campbell has helped bring up between his youth football program, Liberty City Warriors, and previous coaching stops as defensive coordinator at Miami high schools Central, Northwestern, Norland and Jackson before taking over as head coach at Edison.

Some of those names: Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper, Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Hurricanes cornerback Artie Burns and college linebackers Vosean Joseph and Emmett Rice, at Florida and FSU, respectively.

Thomas, who is not rated on recruiting sites, previously had the likes of FSU and UCF recruiting him before deciding on FAU.

“I love the campus. I love the vibe of the school,” Thomas told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “The people seem really nice and I think the coach has something good going on there.”

The 2019 recruiting class currently has nine commitments with six from the South Florida tri-county area. Prospects can begin signing with colleges during college football’s three-day Early Signing Period, which begins Dec. 19.

Thomas was aware of Monday night’s news that Tony Pecoraro is out as FAU’s defensive coordinator. He said it does not affect his decision.