Cory Thomas committed to Tennessee back in November and is on an official visit in Knoxville this weekend.

“I have a great feeling about Coach Butch Jones and I have a strong feeling he is going to turn the Tennessee program around. I feel like it was just the best fit for me. They are losing like six or seven guys that are playing my position. I feel like it will be a great opportunity for me,” Thomas told AL.com at the time of his commitment.

Since his commitment, Thomas has taken multiple visits to Mississippi State and one to Clemson, though he had those respective trips scheduled at the time of his commitment. He is reportedly worried about the number of defensive line commits in this class (currently seven) and that concern has some recruiting insiders predicting he’ll flip to either Mississippi State or Clemson on National Signing Day. This weekend’s official visit gives the Vol staff a chance to shore up his commitment and fend off the Tigers and Bulldogs. In an important note, the Vols will also be the last team to have contact with him before signing day.

Tennessee is recruiting Thomas to play defensive end, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t slide inside as he develops. Tennessee desperately needs depth on the defensive front and his ability to play either tackle or end could earn him some early snaps this season.

The Basics: Rated as a high 3-star prospect by Rivals, ESPN, Scout, and 247Sports, Thomas is a 6-5, 270 pound defensive end from McCalla, Alabama (McAdory HS). Rivals ranks him as the No. 21 defensive end prospect in the nation and the No. 13 overall prospect in Alabama. He chose the Vols over Mississippi State, Clemson, Alabama, Ole Miss, Florida State, Florida, Nebraska, and others.

Scouting Reports: Thomas is a versatile prospect who could play either end or tackle as he develops. He has the frame to add the bulk needed to hold up at tackle and the speed to be an every-down end. Thomas pursues the ball and has the athleticism to defend against zone read attacks in space.

“A prospect with very good size at this stage and with still promising physical upside. Possesses very good height with a lean and fairly muscular build and a frame that can still support additional good mass. Displays good playing strength though room for some improvement in his upper body. Displays good top-end speed for size and shows some flashes, but get-off is adequate and needs to improve snap awareness….Thomas can be a stout and very tough run defender with ability to develop his game further. Could potentially fit at DE depending on physical development and scheme, though D-Tackle looks to be his better long term fit.” – ESPN.com

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