CHAMPAIGN — Difference maker. Game changer. Go-to guy.
All terms used to describe receiver Jeff Thomas.
"He's a freaking ballplayer is all I can say," St. Louis Trinity Catholic coach Terrence Curry said.
Another term: Illinois transfer.
Thomas, the 2016 News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year from East St. Louis, started his career at Miami.
He put up solid numbers for Mark Richt's Hurricanes during his two seasons, catching 52 passes for 937 yards and five touchdowns.
But he wanted a change. Miami was too far from home. Too far from his daughter and family.