Where Will 5 Star LSU Commit Kardell Thomas Play in 2019?

Kardell Thomas is one of the most sought-after recruits in the Class of 2019 — yet he has been committed to LSU for more than two years.

Thomas, a 5-star offensive guard from Southern Lab (La.) in Baton Rouge, lives minutes away from LSU’s campus. He was offered by former coach Les Miles in 2016 and committed on the spot. Since then, he has established his legacy as the top prospect at his position and one of the premier linemen in the country.

The 5-star lineman spent much of his junior year visiting LSU and rival SEC programs. That includes Alabama, Florida and Georgia, with more visits planned as new offers arrived. After returning to LSU for an unofficial visit in January for the elite junior day, Thomas shut his recruitment down … somewhat.

110% A TIGER Thanks To all the Schools that recruited me I’m Grateful for it But home is where The Heart Is I Put This City On my Back and It’s Mines So why not work to bring Baton Rouge A National Championship 💜💛🐯🐯🐯🐯🐯 pic.twitter.com/pMXQB7aqoN

— Kardell thomas (@kardellt62) January 30, 2018

Thomas and his parents sat in coach Ed Orgeron’s office and came to an agreement about proceeding with his recruitment while remaining committed to the Tigers. He put a bow on his recruitment — to a degree. Thomas is actively recruiting for LSU and has played a key role in luring top-shelf talent to Baton Rouge. While he is firm to his commitment, Thomas plans on taking all five of his official visits in the fall, including one around the corner to LSU.

“No coach likes when you want to go somewhere else, but some coaches are OK with where you’re going,” Thomas said. “LSU and USC — they don’t like me going to USC, but other schools they’re OK with. Coach O told me to take visits.

“They (LSU) knew that with what kind of player I am, that schools would keep coming. They just didn’t want me to go to SEC schools, especially ‘Bama. That was the whole conversation.”

Thomas won’t make an official visit to Alabama or any other SEC schools. He will, however, make official stops at Southern Cal, Penn State, Oklahoma and Miami.

In sorting out his fall plans, the 5-star guard made it clear with the rival coaching staffs that he is fully committed to LSU. However, those schools are still anxious to get Thomas on campus — some for the first time — in hopes of potentially flipping him.

“The whole point is that ‘we don’t care’ … they want me and come at me, so I’m just going to see what they’re talking about,” Thomas said.

It’s important to note that Thomas will sign his national letter of intent in December and is currently working with Southern Lab officials on graduating early, so he can enroll at LSU in January to begin competing for a starting job on the offensive line.