Wagoner's Thomas has big-time potential with TU after `wildest' recruiting finish
Published: 2/7/2013 7:33 PM
Last Modified: 2/7/2013 7:36 PM
In the 100 hours leading up to National Signing Day, University of Tulsa football signee Kerwin Thomas of Wagoner went from being confused and disappointed to elation.
“It’s the craziest and wildest thing I’ve ever seen in recruiting,” Wagoner coach Dale Condict said on Thursday.
Thomas was committed to Wyoming, but was told last Friday that he would instead be grayshirted and not signed on Wednesday. He had been recruited by assistant Jason Ray, who recently joined Oklahoma State’s staff.
Late Tuesday, Thomas was advised by TU that a slot might open up with the Hurricane if St. Louis running back prospect Jonathan Parker switched to Iowa. On Wednesday morning, Parker signed with Iowa, opening the last slot for Thomas.
Thomas got the good news from TU just after 7 a.m., a little less than two hours before Wagoner held its signing ceremony.
“TU is where Kerwin wanted to go anyway,” Condict said. “It’s very exciting to see him sign there, just 45 miles away.”
Thomas is Condict’s first Wagoner player to sign with TU in his eight years as coach.
Thomas has big-time potential. His skills are similar to Oklahoma signee Stanvon Taylor of East Central and Oklahoma State’s Kevin Peterson, a Wagoner graduate.
Thomas is a shutdown cornerback who was selected as an Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State receiver. He would have been a World All-State defensive back if he had not been injured.
Thomas was in the All-World rankings of the top 10 area players most of the season, but was sidelined for the Bulldogs’ final five games after suffering a dislocated collarbone in a Week 8 win over Cleveland. Thomas’ last game of 2012 was his best as he had 240 total yards and four touchdowns plus was a standout on defense.
“He’s a great kid,” Condict said. “You don’t have to worry about his attitude and behavior. He works hard every day. It all ended up working out for the best, This is a great situation for him at TU.”
— Barry Lewis
Written by
Barry Lewis
Sports Writer
