John David Mercer – USA TODAY Sports
Racean Thomas is a 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back from Oxford, Ala. who is listed as the No. 5 running back by ESPN and the eighth by Rivals. He is widely regarded as the best undecided running back after top overall recruit Leonard Fournette. Another thing that these two running backs have in common is that they are both considering Alabama, and Fournette’s choice could influence who Thomas chooses.
Fournette’s choices have seem to come down to LSU and Alabama, a couple of the traditional top teams in the nation the past several years. Thomas’ top choices are the top home-state schools, Alabama and Auburn. If Fournette is to choose the Tide, it’s likely that Thomas will choose Auburn for a chance at playing time. However, if Fournette chooses LSU, Thomas’ thoughts may shift over to the more successful Alabama team for a chance to star for a power football team.
Thomas attends Oxford High School. The Oxford Yellowjackets went just 6-4 last season and missed the playoffs, but you couldn’t blame Thomas, who rushed for 1,768 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, as well as 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Thomas hopes to get his team back to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. The Yellowjackets went 12-2 his sophomore season, losing in the Class 6A state semifinals to Hoover High School. Thomas also ran for 1,536 yards and 20 touchdowns that season.
It will be very interesting to see how this situation may play out. Thomas could also choose Bama should Fournette chooses it as well and form one of the most lethal running back duo’s in the nation.
Tim Carroll is a Prep Sports Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Timbo_Slice00 and add him to your circle on Google.
