Cedar Creek High School’s AJ Thomas verbally committed to play collegiate football for new Bulldog head coach Sonny Cumbie.
Thomas has one year remaining with the Cougars and would be eligible to sign his National Letter of Intent in December. Verbal commitments are not legally binding.
“It was a big decision for me and my family,” said Thomas in a Monday interview with Sean Fox on The Sports Company. “What really finalized my decision was the new staff. I talked to the players. I went to their practice last Thursday. I asked them about how the new staff was. I asked about 10 players and they all said great things. That’s really all I needed to commit.”
The all-everything athlete for the Cougars earned all-state, all-district and all-Lincoln Parish Journal honors on the defense following his junior campaign.
Despite having not coached Thomas yet, new Creek head coach Steven Ensminger said he feels that his alma mater is getting a good one.
“I’ve watched him on film and he’s incredible,” said Ensminger. “He’s going to be great. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some more schools paying attention to him. He’s a player.”
Thomas was one of the keys to the Cougars defense that set school records for fewest points allowed per game during the 2021 season. Thomas recorded 53 tackles on the season, including an eye-popping 18 tackles for loss, five sacks and 12 quarterback hurries.
He spearheaded a defense that allowed only nine points or fewer in seven of its nine regular season games and leading the program to the Division IV playoffs.
“My mom was ecstatic,” said Thomas about the decision. “She was happy. That made her Easter weekend. I’ve always grown up watching Louisiana Tech so that was great.”
Thomas also played running back for Cedar Creek during his junior year.
