Making the top 10 plays in the state of Georgia once again this season is Pace sophomore Jayden Thomas (Week 1 Top Play). The 2020 athlete finished with the #2 play, but instead of making a highlight reel catch, the 2021 athlete found himself on the defensive side of the ball.
Heading back to Week 9 on the season, where the Knights ware taking on Westminster. The Wildcat QB was flushed out of the pocket, and went scooting down the right sideline, but the sophomore for Pace Academy was quick to react, and before the Westminster QB could get too far down field, he was face-to-face with Thomas.
Now at this point in time, there is definitely better places to be then going straight into the arms of the top 25 class of 2021 athlete, but here we were. Thomas promptly picked up the quarterback completely off the ground, then raised him high up towards the autumnal sky, and slammed him back for one of the bigger hits of the 2018 season.
The sophomore has been playing some good football this season, and right now has over 500 yards receiving and every game he seems to make several big plays on the defensive side of the football too.
As a college recruit, Thomas has earned offers already from Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio State. The college interest is warranted for sure, and there is no doubt in this scout’s eye that Thomas will become one of the more coveted 2021 athletes in his class.
College visits are taking form already, and one matchup in particular has Thomas’ attention. ” We are trying to schedule 2 or 3 dates so that I can go to some games. We are definitely trying to make the OSU vs UM game,” he said. As mentioned earlier, Thomas holds offers from both of the Big 10 rivals.
Taking the next step is the difference between good and great athletes, and a lot of that starts with accountability and leadership. Thomas knows that upperclassmen are on there way out at Pace, and he seems ready to fill that gap.
“I want to be a better team leader,” Thomas said. “We have a lot of young guys on our team and the senior class will be missed next year, so that’s where I can step up.”
After last night’s loss against Cedar Grove, Pace is now 5-4 on the season. They are 3-2 in the region and will clinch a Class 3-A playoff birth with a defeat over Towers next week. They will have to take care of business, no doubt, but it does look like the 2021 recruit will get another shot at the playoffs after last year where his squad fell short 27-3 to the eventual state champions Calhoun in the first round.
