2025 DT Prospect Eric Thomas Narrows Choices to Syracuse and South Carolina Football

Matt Peavy | Jun 24, 2024

Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer on the field prior to a game against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports / David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

The recruitment race for the highly-touted defensive tackle prospect, Eric Thomas, has reached an exciting climax as he narrows his college choices to the University of South Carolina and Syracuse University. Thomas, who hails from Lehigh Acres, Florida, made the announcement earlier this week, signaling the intense competition between these two programs to secure his commitment.

Standing at an imposing 6'4" and weighing 295 pounds, Thomas has been a dominant force on the field throughout his high school career at East Lee County High School. Hhis junior year stats are a testament to his prowess, boasting 35 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. Thomas's ability to disrupt opposing offenses has made him one of the most sought-after defensive linemen in the 2025 recruiting class.

The University of South Carolina has been heavily invested in Thomas's recruitment from the start. This past weekend, Thomas visited the Gamecocks' campus, and the experience seems to have left a lasting impression. Head Coach Shane Beamer and Defensive Line Coach Travian Robertson have been instrumental in showcasing how Thomas could fit into the Gamecocks' defensive scheme.

While Syracuse presents a strong case with its own robust football program and academic reputation, the momentum appears to be swinging in favor of South Carolina. The Gamecocks have a history of producing NFL-caliber defensive linemen, and they offer Thomas a pathway to immediate impact and long-term development.

As Thomas’s decision date approaches, the Gamecock Nation eagerly awaits the possibility of welcoming him to Columbia. His addition to the 2025 recruiting class would be a significant boost to South Carolina’s defensive front.

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