For a few weeks, Jeff Thomas had made up his mind. The former four-star prospect and talented wide receiver was leaving Miami and joining Lovie Smith and Co. in Champaign. It was a significant moment in the offseason for Illinois.

Mark Richt’s sudden decision to retire and the hiring of Manny Diaz to become the next head coach of the Hurricanes changed things for Thomas, though. Despite telling the media he was on his way to join the Illini, he made a last-second decision to stay in Miami.

Keeping Thomas in Miami was a huge victory for Diaz and a disappointment for Smith. At the time, there really wasn’t much explanation behind his decision to ditch the Illini and leave them waiting at the airport.

“To just finish what I started,” Thomas told the Miami Herald when asked why he chose to remain with the Hurricanes. “Because I made a commitment that I was going to come here my freshman year. I just wanted things to be great again.

“I wanted to take that advantage again like I did my freshman year when they offered me in the first place. I wanted to keep that tradition going.”

Thomas was Miami’s leading receiver a year ago, totaling 35 catches for 563 yards. His three touchdown receptions tied for third-best on the team.

With Diaz running the show and Tate Martell at quarterback, there’s a belief that the Hurricanes’ offense will see some significant improvements in 2019. Thomas’ return certainly helps that cause.