That 2017 recruiting class continues to grow in legacy. It’s just the wrong kind.
Outside linebacker Guy Thomas has asked for and been granted a release of his scholarship, a Nebraska spokesman confirmed to Hail Varsity. Thomas is the 10th member of that 20-man recruiting class to leave the Huskers.
Thomas redshirted his first season in Lincoln and then appeared in four games this past year — recording his first career tackle against Michigan and then notching a career-high three tackles against Bethune-Cookman. Nebraska moved sophomore safety JoJo Domann down into a nickel hybrid linebacker role and that seemed to be the final indication Thomas’ days in Lincoln were numbered.
Thomas was a signing day win for the Huskers in the class of 2017, picking NU over Louisville and Pittsburgh. The 3-star linebacker was one of four linebackers in the class, all of whom have left the program.
This past season, Tyrin Ferguson, Luke Gifford, Caleb Tannor, JoJo Domann, Alex Davis and Breon Dixon saw time at the two outside backer spots. Four of those six return in 2019, along with reserve sophomore Pernell Jefferson and Quayshon Alexander and redshirt freshman David Alston. With Scottsbluff commit Garrett Nelson in the 2019 class and Nebraska looking at a few others, there are reinforcements on the way in this recruiting cycle as well.
Already, Nebraska has moved 2018 wide receiver signee Justin McGriff to outside linebacker, a source confirmed to Hail Varsity. At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, the initial plan for McGriff was to add weight to his frame and eventually move him inside to tight end on offense. Instead, as the season wore on, McGriff moved to the other side of the ball and began working with the outside linebackers.
Nebraska’s coaching staff is still working to determine the best spot for McGriff moving forward. This is a staff that has no problem moving guys around if they feel there’s a better future at a different position. Before the season, Nebraska moved lineman Chris Walker from offense to defense and then Cam Jurgens from tight end to center.
Update
Thomas has announced his deprature via Twitter.
It clear now I will be leaving Nebraska. Through the up and downs, god is good🙏🏾, I’m thankful to be apart of this program. I have grown a lot over this past two year. I’m thankful for the my teammates, coaches and fans. But now I will be leaving Nebraska and my career elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/cJaYwyG6dd
— Guy Nyon🍁🍁 (@17sackmangt) November 29, 2018
