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WINTER GARDEN, FL — For Michigan cornerback, returning for his final season as a Wolverine doesn’t even seem to be a question.
As the talented former four-star prepares to face Alabama and its talented group of wide receivers in the VRBO Citrus Bowl, Thomas is keen to prove himself against the best of the best. He’s not really thinking much about 2020 with such a big contest coming up, but that said, as he notes, his future hasn’t really been in question.
“I’m out here right now practicing with the team,” Thomas said. “I’m back – put it right there, I’m back. I’m with my guys, lead the team to a good year next year.”
“It was never no decision. I didn’t say nothing out there. You can just assume I’m coming back.”
But, of course, he left himself a little bit of wiggle room, noting that he’ll make a formal decision once the 2019 season has closed for good.
“Nah, I’m not thinking about that right now,” Thomas said. “If I did come to a decision, it would be after this game, honestly. Great group of receivers, why not, you feel me?
“I’m here right now, that’s all that matters.”
Why wait to formally announce it, then? Well, because of what Alabama presents.
With a serious group of wideouts, headlined by Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs — neither of whom are the leading receiver for the Crimson Tide, that distinction goes to DeVonta Smith — Bama could have two-to-three NFL first-round draft picks, with the aforementioned being surefire early selections.
Thus, shut down his man, Thomas could earn some money in this game. That could be enough to swing the tide entirely into the other direction. Therefore, he’ll make his decision after the Citrus Bowl.
“After this game, for sure,” Thomas said. “We gonna see how the game go! You got first-rounder, first-rounder and first-rounder and I do my thang, then why not?!”
Regardless, Thomas will have one more game this season to play, as the Wolverines take on Alabama in the VRBO Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.