New Miami Football OC Dan Enos confirms Jeff Thomas could return

During his first appearance on the Joe Rose show on WQAM on Monday morning, new Miami Football Offensive Coordinator Dan Enos confirmed that there is a possibility that Rising Junior wide receiver Jeff Thomas could return to the Hurricanes in 2019.

Jeff Thomas has been rumored to possibly coming back to the Miami football team after he removed all references of the University of Illinois from his social media accounts. Thomas had previously announced he was transferring to Illinois following his departure from Miami with one game remaining in the 2018 season.

Despite not playing in the regular season-ending victory over Pittsburgh and the loss to Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl, Thomas still led the Miami football team in receptions and receiving yards. He finished second on the Hurricanes in yards per reception and third in receiving touchdowns.

Depending on who you believe, Thomas either left the team or was dismissed by former Miami Head Coach Mark Richt. With a completely new Offensive coaching staff and Manny Diaz essentially getting promoted from Defensive Coordinator to Head Coach the Miami players have a clean slate for 2019.

Thomas is an exceptional talent and one of the most exciting players in college football. In addition to his talents as a receiver, Thomas is dangerous as a kick and punt returner. He has averaged 22.6 yards on 42 kickoff returns the last two seasons and averaged an astounding 24.6 yards per punt return with one touchdown in 2018.

If he had enough returns to qualify, Thomas would have finished second nationally in punt returns and 22nd in kickoff returns in 2018. Thomas’ electric 51-yard punt return for a touchdown at Virginia Tech helped the Miami football team break a four-game losing streak in November.

Enos summed up where things are with Thomas during his discussion with Rose. The interview was transcribed by Christy Chirinos of the Sun Sentinel.

"“I think it’s come up. I’m not sure where it stands right now, but I think as you mentioned, I think there may be some talks going on. I don’t think there’s been any decisions made, but I think there has been some talk…From what I understand and hear, he’s a very, very talented guy. Hopefully, that will all work out.”"

Thomas was spotted in South Florida over the weekend according to numerous reports. Enos confirmed on Monday that Thomas had spoken to the Miami football staff. Who he spoke with was not specifically mentioned. Miami has not hired a Wide Receivers coach yet for Diaz’s staff.

The Hurricanes return a lot of talent but will not have much experience at wide receiver. Rising Junior Mike Harley is the only receiver that contributed for Miami in 2018 that will definitely return in 2019. Harley finished fourth on Miami with 21 receptions and 240 receiving yards in 2018.

The Miami football team had a strong 2018 recruiting class at wide receiver and signed four-star wide receiver Jeremiah Payton in December to the Surge ’19 Class. Former Buffalo wide receiver K.J. Osborn is joining the Hurricanes as a Graduate transfer in 2019.