:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47052344/Only_Danny_Thomas_Days_Until_USF_Football_by_Matthew_Manuri_VoodooFive.com__2560x1600_.0.0.jpg)
#53 LB Danny Thomas
Freshman, 6'1", 230 lbs.
Stats in 2014: Thomas is a true freshman who enrolled early, so this is his first year in the USF program. If you're curious, he racked up 65 tackles, 14.5 TFL and six sacks at Godby High School in Tallahassee last season. He also caught two passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. A true renaissance man!
Spot on Spring Depth Chart: Not listed.
How He Came to USF: Danny played both linebacker and defensive end at Cypress Bay High School in Fort Lauderdale, where he put up gaudy stats for three seasons before transferring to Godby as a senior. He was originally committed to East Carolina, but wound up choosing the Bulls over a handful of offers including West Virginia, Cincinnati, Indiana and Temple.
Recruiting Rankings: Thomas was a consensus three-star recruit. Rivals had him pegged as the 34th best outside linebacker in the nation, while 247 had him at 47th among weakside defensive ends.
Projected Playing Time: If you're looking for a freshman who can come in and make an impact right away, Thomas is your guy. He was one of only two freshmen to enroll early (along with Reilly Gibbons, who doesn't really count), and has a new position on defense (the "Bull") that seems tailor-made for him. It's unlikely that he beats out Josh Black or Zack Bullock for the starting job, but it's very plausible that sees the field in 2015. Even if he redshirts, he's a player to keep an eye on.
Highlights: Please enjoy this video of Danny absolutely trouncing fools. It's tough to draw a definitive conclusion on him given the level of competition here, but I really like this kid as an edge rusher.