Numerous Destrehan High School recruits have made it to the highest leagues of college and professional football, and now two more players are ready to follow that path.
Safety Jhase Thomas (class of 2025) and wide receiver Phillip Wright (class of 2025) made their commitments on Saturday, with Thomas choosing LSU and Wright agreeing to defending national champion Michigan.
Thomas and Wright were highly coveted recruits with numerous Power Five offers to choose from, and they secured their commitments before the start of their final seasons.
Thomas to LSU
Thomas, a late bloomer in the recruiting process, chose LSU after receiving an offer from coach Brian Kelly while attending a camp in May.
“It’s the greatest feeling,” Thomas said. “It doesn’t even seem real right now. (Kelly) told me he wanted to see me as a tiger, and the first thing I told him was I was going to be a tiger. That day I knew for sure I was going to be a tiger.”
Thomas canceled his decision on his birthday and chose the Tigers over Ole Miss, Houston, Colorado and Texas Tech.
“It was the relationships (at LSU),” Thomas said. “You can see what bonds are really genuine. I’ve been able to talk to coach Kelly and the rest of the defensive staff every day since they offered me, so I knew it was going to be LSU.”
Thomas, who is expected to play as a free safety in college, developed a versatile skill set while learning from his father, former Saints cornerback Fred Thomas.
“He’s a very athletic kid,” Fred Thomas said. “He’s played multiple positions; he’s played everything. I always explained to him that he has a toolbox, and in that toolbox you have multiple tools. Having those tools adds value.”
From Wright to Michigan
Wright, one of the state’s fastest recruits, narrowed his choices to LSU, Georgia and Michigan before choosing the Wolverines over the SEC powers.
“After talking to my mom and dad, I felt Michigan was the best decision for me,” Wright said. “I think I’ll fit well into their offense.”
Wright, who is listed as an athlete on several recruiting sites, is expected to play receiver in Michigan’s pro offense after being recruited by receivers coach Ronald Bellamy, a New Orleans native who played at Shaw.
“(Bellamy) is a guy like me,” Wright said. “He’s a great coach. I’m quick and versatile. I can switch things up. I like that (Michigan’s offense) prepares you for the next level (NFL).”
Wright is the third New Orleans-area recruit to commit to Michigan in the past month, joining Shaw 2025 recruits Jasper Parker and Jacob Washington.
“We already know each other,” Wright said. “If we give Michigan the nod, we will do great things.”
Expectations of managers
Now that Thomas and Wright have made their commitments, they are looking forward to their final seasons at Destrehan.
“It’s an incredible feeling to have made it before the season,” Thomas said. “In college I’ll be a deep safety, but this season I’ll play multiple positions. I expect to win the state championship.”
“It’s incredible because we’ve come from nothing to a lot now,” Wright said. “We’ve worked hard the last three years, soon to be four. I want to win another state championship, score more touchdowns, score more yards. I just want to be a better player than I was last year.”
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