Hoosiers Land Louisiana Edge A.J. Thomas

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers are busy preparing for an important non-conference clash against Western Kentucky but recruiting never stops and Tom Allen and his staff secured a key commitment on Monday afternoon. AJ Thomas, an edge defender from Louisiana and a three-star prospect, chose IU over offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Army and several others. At 6’3” and 220-pounds, Thomas is a quick athlete the Hoosiers were recruiting to play the Bull position.

IU has been focused on this recruitment for a while and they see Thomas as the perfect fit for their evolving linebacker and defensive line hybrid spot. Thomas stood out in 2021 at Cedar Creek High School and earned First Team All-State honors. After a coaching change, Thomas transferred to Zachary High School for the 2022 school year and football season.

“The entire coaching staff and the players stood out to me,” Thomas told peegs.com’s Matt Weaver after his Indiana visit during the summer. “They told me the truth and how things were. The players love the staff and how everyone cares about each equally no matter if you were a walk-on or scholarship player. The coaches were amazing.”

AJ Thomas is the ninth player in the 2022 class, a group that IU expects to be a smaller than usual class. Defensive backs Amare Ferrell and Travon West are the other defensive players with offensive linemen Austin Barrett, Tyler Jeffries and William Larkins along with quarterback Broc Lowry, tight end Sam West and kicker Nicolas Radicic are the offensive players and the specialists.