The extraordinary 3-star prospect who could impact Texas like a 5-star

One of the Longhorns' 3-star targets could end up making a bigger impact for Texas than other non-blue-chip players in the past.
Johnny Nansen, co-defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, watches defensive drills during practice at Frank Denius Fields on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in Austin.
Johnny Nansen, co-defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, watches defensive drills during practice at Frank Denius Fields on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024 in Austin. | Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cy Ranch HS (Cypress, TX) 3-star LB Calvin Thomas is currently being chased by the likes of North Carolina, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas due to his ability to compete at an early stage despite his "lower" star rating.

The 6'3", 215-pound linebacker isn't as highly rated as some of Texas' other targets at the position, but he would most likely be just as impactful for the Longhorn defense in the long run. In fact, in terms of both production and size, he's very similar to that of Anthony Hill coming out of the prep level in the 2023 cycle.

One of the main differences in the recruitment of these two players is the simple fact that Thomas hasn't participated in the number of camps and public events that Hill did during his high school recruitment circuit.

Much like Hill at Texas, Thomas shows the above-average ability to get to the quarterback as an interior blitzer due to his length and refined hand-fighting skills. This allows him to easily swim over and rip around offensive linemen at the point of attack. He's also excellent at timing up the snap and shooting gaps against the run as well, often getting to the blocker's hip pocket before they can get an advantageous angle on him.

His unusually long frame will allow him to pack on a good amount of muscle over the next few years, while maintaining his athleticism and quick-twitch ability. It's not often that 3-star prospects are hyped up as much as Thomas, and he's beginning to get more attention as his commitment date draws near on July 12th.

"Verified by a third party as a legitimate 6-foot-3, 215 pounds with big features (large hands, long arms). Likely owns significant frame potential. Projects as a possible high-major defender who could fit a couple of different roles depending on scheme. Possesses ample long-term upside that could lead beyond college."
Greg Brooks, 247sports Scouting Analyst

Thomas finished the 2024 season with 69 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery according to MaxPreps.com.

He was also ecstatic when he received his Texas offer back in February as well:

"“I was like 'wow', cause it's Texas. It's a great school, big school, SEC school, and it's top of the top, and my parents were loving it.""

Thomas took his official visit to Texas on June 20th and reportedly enjoyed his time in Austin. Longhorn LB coach Johnny Nansen patiently awaits his decision, as Nansen was Thomas' main point of contact throughout his recruitment.