Matthew Thomas usually is the one applying the pressure, especially on the football field as he chases down opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
But for the last few weeks, Thomas is the one feeling the squeeze.
Thomas, the All-American linebacker from Miami-Booker T. Washington High School, is being pulled from several sides as he tries to figure out where to spent the next three or four years of his life.
First comes the home town pressure. Growing up in Overtown, about seven miles from the University of Miami campus — and walking distance to the old Orange Bowl where the Hurricanes played until 2008 — has the five-star recruit at the top of Miami’s wish list when signing day arrives Wednesday.
Then there is peer pressure. Thomas’ teammate and close friend, three-star safety Michael Johnson, has made a verbal commitment to Florida State and highly-touted Washington four-star offensive lineman Denver Kirkland has FSU among his final schools. FSU’s chances of landing Kirkland increased last week when Miami pulled its scholarship offer, a move that could play a role in Thomas’ decision.
And while many believe this is a battle between the two state schools, do not rule out the not-so-subtle pressure being applied by the nation’s preeminent program. Only one school has planted a billboard along I-95 that can be seen from the doors that Thomas enters and exits every day at Booker T. Washington — Alabama, which won its third BCS national title in four years last month up the road at Sun Life Stadium.
Big decision to make
Thomas is the No. 6 prospect in the country according to ESPN and the first- or second-ranked outside linebacker depending on the recruiting service. He also is one of the few top players still uncommitted. Thomas is visiting Georgia this weekend and has already taken trips to FSU, Miami, Alabama and USC. Many believe when Thomas reveals his choice on Wednesday it will come down to FSU and Miami.
“Anybody that’s seen him play, it’s pretty easy to see he’s all over the field, a relentless pursuer of the football,” said Corky Rogers, the longtime coach at Jacksonville-Bolles whose team faced Thomas in the Class 4A state championship game the last two seasons.
“He will fit in to anybody’s scheme.”
Thomas visited FSU a week ago and labeled the trip “perfection.” Perhaps more significantly was his mom’s approval. At one point, after Thomas watched the Senior Bowl with coach Jimbo Fisher, defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and linebacker’s coach Charles Kelly, he slipped on an FSU jersey. “I like the way that looks,” his mom said, according to Warchant.com. “Just the way it should be.”
The sign on NW 14th St. welcomes you to Historic Overtown. The next right leads you to Booker T. Washington High School, which is nestled under I-95 at the State Road 836 intersection, the intertwining overpasses visible from the main parking lot and athletic fields.
Football coach Tim Harris looks as the school as a beacon of hope in a neighborhood otherwise stigmatized by violence. Harris, like Thomas, grew up minutes from the school. He has seen the National Guard patrolling the same streets on which he used to toss footballs and smelled the tear gas used to quell riots.
“Violence is something we grew up around,” Harris said. “We’ve seen it on the streets. … family members and all go down right here.”
This is why Harris is sure to emphasize the schools’ accomplishments, especially the two state football titles won under his watch — 2007 and two months ago when Washington avenged its 2011 loss to Bolles, 35-7.
“We try to make sure the positive things that happen here are used to offset things that are negative in our community,” Harris said.
Coach gave star LB direction
Thomas, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, stands out above nearly every other linebacker in the country because of his speed and aggressiveness. He came to Washington as a receiver before switching to defense. When Harris returned for his second term as head coach two years ago — he spent three years on the University of Miami football staff — he found inconsistencies in Thomas’ academic reports and in his play.
“I told him, ‘I see signs through your test scores that you’re a bright kid, but your work in class, I don’t see it,” Harris said. “This is telling me something about you. Now I’m looking at how you play and it’s the same way. You got some flashes and then you disappear.
“If you don’t get this thing moving. … ”
Thomas headed the message. Soon, Harris saw progress on both fronts.
“He made one of the biggest jumps I’ve seen,” Harris said. “He became an All-American in one year.”
Many analysts believe Thomas has the talent to contribute immediately, but that he will become even more dominating as his body fills out.
“He is one of the premier defensive players in the country because of his explosiveness,” said Tom Lemming of CBS Sports. “He can make an impact as a freshman coming from the outside.”
In three days the nation will learn at which school that impact will be felt.
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