SIGNING DAY PREVIEW: Receiver Clevan Thomas
Cats Illustrated isn't waiting until National Signing Day to get you ready for all the action. We're rolling out Signing Day content all week.
In our new Signing Day Preview series we'll profile every single one of Kentucky's 2017 early enrollees as well as those who won't be signing until Wednesday.
STATUS: Already enrolled.
RESUME: Thomas only scored three touchdowns as a senior at Flanagan but that's largely because the team had serious quarterbacking issues that prevented the passing game from ever getting off the ground.
RECRUITING HISTORY: It was a given that Thomas would become a big name in the recruiting world. That happens when you're the son of former Florida State and NFL defensive back Clevan Thomas Sr. Kentucky offered Thomas very early in the recruiting process but it wasn't until Sunday Night Lights - UK's big summer camp event - when things seemed to click between the receiver and the Cats. Lots of other schools were involved, ranging from Michigan early to Vanderbilt late. But once Thomas committed he remained solid until he signed. He did think that he would take other official visits at one point, but Mark Stoops wasn't thrilled about the idea.
SCOUTING REPORT: Thomas was one of the top performers at Sunday Night Lights as both a receiver and a defensive back. He has solid footwork on both sides of the ball and that will serve him well in the slot. Thomas also seems to have good hands. He should make a killing catching passes underneath, either in the flat or on slants over the middle. He's a gritty player, a fiery competitor and a supremely confident player. He doesn't have elite top-end speed but that only explains why he wasn't ranked higher.
CATS ILLUSTRATED PROJECTION: The fact that Thomas is enrolling early is a big bonus because he's a hard-worker at a position (slot) where Kentucky could use some early help. He'll be competing with some young guys for time at the position so playing won't be easy, but Thomas absolutely has a chance to impress and get on the field as a true freshman.
| Size | Speed | Hands | Routes | Leaping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
7.5/10 |
6/10 |
MORE CLEVAN THOMAS COVERAGE AT CATS ILLUSTRATED
