Auburn landed a commitment from five-star running back Racean Thomas (Oxford, Al. Oxford), who chose the Tigers over in-state rival Alabama. A frequent visitor to Auburn, Thomas has been on campus seven times since February, including today when he made he announced his commitment via Twitter with fall camp getting underway.
Thomas is the No. 3 recruit in 247sports’ composite rankings and the No. 4 running back in the nation. He becomes the 14th commitment for Gus Malzahn’s squad, who now has the No. 14-ranked recruiting class for 2014. He is the second running back commitment for this class, joining three-star back Kamryn Pettway (Montgomery, Al. Prattville), who should form the future at the running back position.
Primary recruiter and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee picked up a complete running back. At 5-foot-11 and 200-pounds with 4.48 speed, Thomas can take it to the house on any given carry. He will compete with Tre Mason — provided he does not declare for the NFL draft — and junior college transfer Cameron Artis-Payne for carries next season.
Another Lashlee commitment, Elite 11 MVP Sean White, began recruiting Thomas via Twitter after he committed to Auburn earlier this summer, and the two have struck up a friendship through social media. With White, Thomas and fellow commit D’Haquille Thomas (the No. 1 JUCO wide receiver) on board, Auburn’s offense has the potential to be scary good.
Furthermore, with these additions on board early in the recruiting cycle, I like Auburn’s chances of finishing inside the top-10 classes when signing day comes around in February.
Thomas ran for 1,768 yards and 24 touchdowns last year and has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the Under Armour All-American game.
Patrick’s a college football writer for Rant Sports and radio host on Sportstownchicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt and add him to your Google network.
