Columbus High School offensive lineman Jake Thomas is already a highly sought after football recruit.
As Thomas prepares for his senior season, the notoriety continues to build. On Monday, Thomas was one of nine Mississippians nominated for this season’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl game at noon, Jan. 5, 2013, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
“It’s an honor for a player of ours to be considered for that game,” Columbus coach Tony Stanford said. “He has done a lot of hard work to get to this point. If he were to make the game, he would be very deserving of that honor.”
Four hundred players are being considered for the game. That list will be cut in half in September and reduced to 90 in November for the game.
Other Mississippians are the nomination list include Scott Austin (WR, Biloxi High), Ryan Buchanan (QB, Jackson Prep), Antonio Conner (DB, South Panola High), Kent Flowers (OL, Simmons High), Davis Mahaffey (OL, Brandon High), Deon Mix (OL, South Panola High), Kailo Moore (RB, West Bolivar High), and Ashton Shumpert (ATH, Tupelo High).
“The U.S. Army All-American Bowl provides the national platform for young athletes and musicians to showcase their talent and strength,” said Bruce Jasurda, chief marketing officer for the U.S. Army. “This nomination recognizes the mental, emotional, and physical strengths, and leadership qualities, these athletes possess both on and off the field, qualities they share with Army Strong Soldiers.”
A 6-foot-6, 270-pound tackle and tight end, Thomas suffered an injury during the first day of the Falcons’ recently completed spring drills. Stanford said recovery from the foot injury has progressed nicely and Thomas should be out of his cast in about a week.
“Everything is fine,” Stanford said. “Once they get him out of the cast, there will be some rehab time. Really, most of the things they have done have been precautionary.”
Already a member of the Rivals Top 100 for the Class of 2013, Thomas should see the recruiting interest intensify in August when Columbus begin its season.
“The recruiting process can be overwhelming if you allow it to be,” Thomas said. “I have to keep listening to my coaches and working hard with my teammates. I can’t be getting caught up in terms of things I can’t control. I feel blessed to have these opportunities. They really mean a lot to me.”
Thomas hopes the Falcons can close his prep playing career with a postseason berth. Columbus just missed out last season with a 7-4 record. Stanford knows line play will be huge if the Falcons are going to build on the success of last season’s high-octane offense.
“Jake had a great junior season,” Stanford said. “We know how important he is to our success. We look forward to his senior season and watching him build on what he has already established.”
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.