re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

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5-star DE no longer has a top 3 after Alabama visit

Xavier Thomas, the nation’s No. 2 overall player in the Class of 2018, was in Tuscaloosa this past weekend for the first time. For that reason, Alabama was admittedly not one of his top schools prior to the visit.

That has now changed.

Entering this past weekend, Thomas, a 5-star defensive end from Wilson High School (Florence, S.C.), had a top three of Clemson, Georgia and South Carolina in no specific order. Florida State and Ohio State were also in the mix, but this visit to Alabama for the Texas A&M game was a turning point in his recruitment.

“I actually changed it right after this visit because after visiting Alabama, I am confused on who my top schools in order are,” Thomas told SEC Country. “So, I’m just going to take it slowly now. I didn’t have Alabama in my top 5 at all, but now after this visit, that is definitely changing.”

One of the reasons for the big change is two conversations he had prior to the game with coach Nick Saban and outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi. Both coaches told Thomas he is Alabama’s No. 1 priority in the Class of 2018.

Thomas kept a close eye on Alabama linebackers Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams on Saturday because that’s how the Crimson Tide plan on utilizing the 5-star recruit if he chooses the Tide. Both players will have moved on from the program by the time 2018 rolls around, and depth moving forward is needed.

“Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson are both projected to be first-round picks, and that position is low because they only have one commitment on the defensive line in the 2017 class, so I am very needed,” Thomas said. “It doesn’t really make a difference, even if the depth was thick. I would still be willing to go because I know my work ethic and what I am capable of.”

With this being Thomas’ first visit to Tuscaloosa, he went in with high expectations, and they were exceeded.

“People told me I would fall in love if I came to Alabama, and they weren’t lying,” Thomas said. “The fans are everywhere. The game-day experience is amazing. That place was rocking from start to finish. It was a great experience, one of the best ones I’ve ever actually experienced.”

The U.S. Army All-American plans to make it back to Tuscaloosa in the future, but no dates for those visits have been set just yet.

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