Miami Hurricanes WR Jeff Thomas transferring to Illinois after all
Former Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Jeff Thomas will transfer to Illinois after rampant rumors over the weekend indicated he wanted to return Coral Gables.
Jeff Thomas’ decision came after new Offensive Coordinator Dan Enos stated on the Joe Rose show on Monday morning that “I think there may be some talks going on” when asked if there was a possibility that Thomas could return to the Miami Hurricanes next season.
Thomas led Miami in receptions and receiving yards in 2018 despite missing the final regular season game against Pittsburgh and the 35-3 Pinstripe Bowl loss to Wisconsin. The Sophomore wide receiver quit or was dismissed depending on the report you believe.
Thomas reportedly missed team meetings early in the week as the Miami Hurricanes prepared for their game against Pittsburgh following a victory over Virginia Tech. An unnamed Miami player said that Thomas was not happy with the way he was being used on the team and was homesick.
Former Hurricanes Head Coach Mark Richt said Thomas was dismissed. Thomas said they came to a mutual agreement for him to leave the team. Both Richt and Thomas released statements at the time. Richt’s press release from the Miami Athletic Department stated Thomas did not live up to team standards.
Thomas followed by issuing his own statement via Twitter stating it was a mutual decision. The star wide receiver reportedly wanted to return. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald sent out a Tweet that Thomas decided to enroll at Illinois “because he was left with (the) impression UM didn’t want him back.”
A former UM teammate said Jeff Thomas decided to enroll at Illinois, as widely reported earlier today, because he was left with impression UM didn't want him back. A former teammate and UM official made clear he wanted to return.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 15, 2019
Some of the speculation has been that Thomas returning to the Miami football team was put up for a vote. It seems to be that the team voted against Thomas returning and new Head Coach Manny Diaz respected that.
Bob Asmussen of the Fighting Illini’s hometown paper the Champaign News-Gazette was the first to break the story that Thomas was sticking with his commitment to Illinois. Asmussen spoke with Thomas about his decision to return to his home state.
"“I’m on my way now,…I’m really excited to get started at Illinois.”"
Asmussen followed up by asking Thomas if he had considered staying at Miami.
"“Not really…It was probably because of the post I had deleted off Twitter and Instagram.”"
Thomas took down what had been a Tweet he posted on December 21 thanking Miami and his teammates and announcing he would be taking his talents from South Beach (well…) to Chambana.
Transfers usually have to sit out one season after moving from one school to another. Illinois Head Coach Lovie Smith said that the Fighting Illini would pursue a waiver to allow Thomas to play in 2019. Thomas would give Illinois a huge boost in talent to a roster devoid of it.
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With Thomas, Miami only has Rising Junior Mike Harley returning who contributed significantly at wide receiver in 2018. Harley finished fourth on Miami with 21 receptions and 240 receiving yards in 2018. The Hurricanes also will add Buffalo Graduate transfer K.J. Osborn at wide receiver.