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Report: WR Jeff Thomas could return to Miami despite announcing transfer to Illinois
Published:
Illinois could be finding itself in a battle with Miami for wide receiver Jeff Thomas again.
Following the conclusion of the Hurricanes’ 2018 season, Thomas announced that he was leaving Miami and would be headed to play for Lovie Smith at Illinois. Those plans could be changing, however.
According to Canes247.com, since Mark Richt announced his retirement and Manny Diaz became the new head coach, Thomas has reached out to the program and discussed a potential return. Per the report, Thomas only signed a financial aid agreement with the Illini.
Thomas led the Hurricanes with 563 receiving yards and three touchdown catches in 2018. He also averaged 24 yards per punt return on the year. The receiver played in 11 of the team’s 13 games, missing the final two contests against Pitt and Wisconsin.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the decision regarding Thomas’ return could ultimately depend on Diaz.
Illinois has received commitments from several key transfers this offseason. Georgia tight end Luke Ford and Oklahoma receiver A.D. Miller are both continuing their football careers in Champaign. While Thomas may have to sit out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, he would be the most significant player to transfer to Illinois.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB