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When you have the likes of Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron on your coaching staff, you are likely going to have some good connections all throughout the country, especially Southern California. Both coaches spent valuable time at the University of Southern California during their great run through college football. As key recruiters for the Trojans, the two of them were able to forge great relationships with high schools, coaches, players and even parents.
As the Vols look to improve their depth and reach out to all corners of the country to find the right players for the future of the Tennessee program, they are making in impact out west. The staff is well aware and is in on some of the top talent from the state of California for the class of 2011. One of them has been called “the next Reggie Bush” among other things.
Los Angeles, Ca (Crenshaw) running back, De’Anthony Thomas is one of the top athletes in the state of California and can be found on almost any “Top” list for the class of 2011. He already has offers from almost the entire PAC-10 and many other schools from around the country, including a couple of SEC schools.
“I pretty much have offers from all the big names. I know there are plenty more schools out there that may come around but for now, I am happy with the attention that I am getting. Right now I am just trying to help my team win the LA City Title. We are 9-0 and have had a great season.”
The 5-foot-11, 180 pound running back has had another great season full of highlight reel plays that leave opponents grasping at thin air and onlookers gasping for breath. “Black Mamba” as he is known around Crenshaw has amazing speed and some great moves that would compliment a power back in any offense.
“I really want to play somewhere that is going to use my talent to make the team better. I know that some guys get promised some things but it doesn’t always work out for them. I want to make sure I trust the coaches and players at the schools that I will be choosing from. I want to find the right fit for me as a person and as a player.”
When Vol Nation asked De’Anthony about Lane Kiffin and Tennessee he had glowing remarks about the first year head coach.
“Coach Kiffin is cool man. I like his style. He don’t care what nobody think and he just tries to get his guys fired up and it has worked. They have had a better year than people were thinking they might. I hope I can make it out to Tennessee and some other schools out there over the next year or so.”
For now, Thomas is simply trying to finish off his junior season with a City Section title and make his star burn a little brighter on the field and on the track. Thomas is one of the top track and field athletes in the state of California and would love to run track in college if it is at all possible.
“That’s why I like USC, UCLA, ASU, Oregon, LSU, Tennessee and others because they have good football and great track programs also. If I can do both, I will.”
Vol Nation will stay in touch with “Black Mamba” as his junior year progresses and see what offers come his way as time goes on.
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De’Anthony along with Brice Brown, the 2 will compliment each other. You are correct about Coach, we love him. Go Vols!!
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