/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50092373/GettyImages-497200320.0.jpg)
#53 LB Danny Thomas
Sophomore, 6'1", 225 lbs.
2015 Stats: Thomas played in 12 games as a true freshman, making some early appearances on defense but settling in as a special teams contributor for most of the season. He made ten tackles, six of which came against Florida State. In an unofficial stat, Danny may have led the team in photogenicness (that's not really a word). He's all over the photos in our library. I had a lot to choose from today.
Position on Depth Chart: Danny is listed third on the post-spring depth chart at middle linebacker.
How He Came To USF: Thomas played at two high schools. He started as a freshman, sophomore, and junior at Fort Lauderdale's Cypress Bay High School, then moved to Tallahassee's Godby High School for his senior year. He made 65 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks for the Cougars in 2014, earning a spot on the Class 5A all-state third team. Danny had offers from Indiana, West Virginia, and about half of the American, but he committed to USF in August 2014 and enrolled early in January 2015.
Recruiting Rankings: Thomas was a consensus three-star recruit.
Projected Playing Time: It looks like Danny will see most of his playing time on special teams. Not that he isn't a good player, but middle linebacker might be the most stacked position on the team. Auggie Sanchez, USF's 2015 defensive MVP, is the starter, and highly touted Texas transfer Cecil Cherry is his backup. It might take an injury or two for Thomas to get sustained defensive reps this year.
Follow Him On... Danny's on Twitter at @boy_igotsomany (great name), and on Instagram at dannyt4.
P.S. Look for a post tomorrow about Elkino Watson, the previous owner of #53, and some other former USF football players who left us way, way too soon.