Jacoby Thomas the Latest Jayhawk Commit
by Owen on Dec 9, 2008 6:44 PM CST
in Kansas Jayhawk Football
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Jacoby Thomas #13
Looks like Coach Mangino and company had them set up and were ready to knock them down last weekend as yet another visitor from the December 5th weekend has given a verbal pledge to play football for the Jayhawks.
Jacoby Thomas a defensive end out of Texarkana Texas is the latest commitment for the Kansas Jayhawks 2009 recruiting class. I spoke with Thomas tonight and the 6'3" 225 pound end is looking forward to making the jump to the next level at Kansas. During his Senior Season Thomas racked up 76 total tackles along with 8 sacks and 1 interception. I asked Thomas about his expectations in terms of playing time as well as his position and he said, “I’m looking at playing outside linebacker, looking for early playing time and trust me I am ready to work hard to play.” From the sounds of things Thomas will likely be seen in a James Holt type role and used as a pass rushing linebacker in certain situations. I asked him for a player he viewed as a role model for his style of play and Thomas pointed to Demarcus Ware, “He’s tough, and he puts on a hard pass rush.”
Thomas was recruited by Coach Je’Ney Jackson and gave Coach Mangino and Coach Jackson his commitment on Monday. “I took a visit to Kansas and loved it,” said Thomas and with regards to what sealed the deal he explained, “The players and coaches were great.”
Thomas makes the 15th known scholarship commitment for 2009 and with the addition last night of Rashawn Copeland makes for 16 new Jayhawks committed to the squad for next year. While Thomas has yet to be ranked by recruiting services it sounds as though that should happen in the coming weeks and after a strong Senior season he will no doubt be a good addition to the class.
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I like him a lot as an outside linebacker...definitely not an end
he has good size, hopefully he has the speed to transition well
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He was definitely recruited as an OLB with the ability to rush the passer and not a true end.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
I’m glad to see another recruit, but I still don’t understand why KU isn’t landing higher ranked players. Like 4 or 5 star players. I understand we need to build on our success, but we have to go after better players, and we have to land some of them. Our coaching staff is amazing at developing players, but I would love to land some guys who simply don’t need to be developed because they are already that good.
I believe the expectation is...
this kid will end up ranked as a high 3 star…also I’ll do a little comparison in the near future on the type of player we are pulling in this year and did last year vs. say 4 to 5 years ago…there is definitely a talent upgrade. It just takes a little time to consitently land that 4-5 star level.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
Kinda With Sweedish on this one
I know it takes time to build a reputation from essentially nothing, but I wish we at least were starting to get the top talent in Kansas to stay in-state. It really sucks watching a player like Bryce Brown not even give us a shot. We could be a serious contender for the Big 12 title with him next year.
There’s also always the chicken/egg question- does winning consistently lead to better recruiting, or does better recruiting lead to winning consistently?
Similarly, are we really getting better recruits now, or are rating systems simply giving our players better grades as the reputation of the program has improved?
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Dec 9, 2008 10:05 PM CST reply actions
you're probably on to something with regards...
to rating systems giving our players better ratings now…
also there is news out there of some upcoming visitors that are the caliber players you are referring to and if Mangino or Warriner can land one of them specifically it would be huge.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
Also with regards to Brown...
I think the Brown brothers and Harper were a few kids that didn’t really fit the Mangino mold to begin with and could have been more trouble than they were worth, so I’ll be honest I’m not too dissapointed in those losses.
Now in the future if there are high character kids of that caliber in state and we fail to land them or at least get a serious look I will be a little concerned.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
From what I read from the Witchita paper
The Brown boys were solid kids with good GPAs and attitudes. Hurts watching them go to Miami. Hope Coach Young is enjoying the elder Brown.
They may very well be solid kids, good GPA's and attitudes but...
when I say they don’t really fit the Mangino mold I am more indicating I’ve always thought they had visions of grandeur, and maybe rightfully so. My impression with Kansas demands a lot from their players and if you’re not ready to put in the work no matter what level or caliber you’re at it will be tough. Brown’s have a ton of talent, but it also seems they have been told that for a long time and that’s what I mean by not fitting the mold. In no way did I mean to pass judgement on their character, just think they’re would have been expectations from them with regards to their roles and place with the team that may or may not have ultimately been the case.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
On Topic
Also, if you’re reading this, welcome to the Jayhawk Family, Jacoby! Get ready for the best 4 or so years of your life!
by KennyGregoryRockThaCradle on Dec 9, 2008 10:08 PM CST reply actions
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