Tag: Star Thomas

Duke football lands running back Star Thomas from the transfer portal

The Blue Devils beat out Cal and Vanderbilt for transfer portal RB Star Thomas, who committed on Wednesday just a day after visiting the program.

One day after reports circulated that Star Thomas was on a visit with Duke, the former New Mexico State running back made his commitment official on Wednesday.

Thomas shared a graphic on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, about the decision.

“(You know) where to catch me at,” Thomas captioned the post.

The California Golden Bears, set to join Duke in the ACC in 2024, and Vanderbilt Commodores reportedly were the Blue Devils’ biggest competition for the 6-foot back, but he’ll be in Durham next season.

Thomas spent the last two seasons as a notable back for the Aggies, surpassing 100 carries in both 2022 and 2023. He rushed for 1,178 yards and nine touchdowns over the last two years, and he averaged 5.8 yards per carry as a junior last season.

After the departure of Jordan Waters, Duke’s leading rusher in 2023, to NC State, the Blue Devils needed another bell cow. Jaquez Moore took the lion’s share of work between the tackles during the spring game, and despite a cacophony of younger backs waiting in the wings to spell the starters, he and Thomas now give head coach Manny Diaz two reliable options to churn out 10-15 carries per game.

Diaz already got good running back news on Monday when three-star 2025 prospect Javin Gordon announced his commitment to the program.

Duke expected to add New Mexico State transfer running back Star Thomas, per Matt Zenitz

Duke looks to add final piece to the 2024 running back room after Tuesday reports of a potential transfer commitment.

Duke’s running backs are about to get another infusion of talent.

On Tuesday afternoon, Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported that New Mexico State transfer running back Star Thomas was expected to transfer to Duke.

The transfer, who visited Duke’s campus on Tuesday according to Zenitz, will apparently pick the Blue Devils after a hard push by the Vanderbilt Commodores.

He entered the portal in April, and things have gone in several directions since then. Toward the end of the month, it was believed that new ACC member Cal was going to earn his commitment, but the Blue Devils found a new gear, got him on campus, surged ahead of Cal, and fought off advances from Vanderbilt, too.

Thomas accounted for 1,499 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns over two years at New Mexico State

Landing Thomas is huge for Duke. He’s a senior with tons of experience, giving Duke another veteran to pair with lead running back and fellow senior Jaquez Moore. Moore is the only significant returning running back after Jordan Waters opted for the transfer portal and transferred to NC State.

 

The Devils have young names like Marquise Collins, Travis Bates, and Peyton Jones on the depth chart, too, but if they aren’t progressing in the manner they need to, Duke can ride Moore and Thomas as they build their offense around Texas transfer QB Maalik Murphy.

Duke one of the finalists to land New Mexico State RB Star Thomas

Duke continues to attack the transfer portal hard in search of more pieces for the 2024 season as they are a finalist for transfer RB Star Thomas.

Duke football is far from being done constructing its roster for the 2024 season. It seems they still have a ways to go.

Recently, Bruno Fina, an offensive tackle who played last season at UCLA, hit the transfer portal and came out on the other side as a Duke Blue Devil.

Duke is now looking to boost its running back room, it appears. On3’s Pete Nakos reported on Wednesday that Manny Diaz’s team is one of four finalists for New Mexico State transfer tailback Star Thomas.

Thomas was a second-team All-Conference USA selection this past season. He rushed for 633 yards in 2023 and added four rushing touchdowns. He also caught 22 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

Throughout his career, he’s tallied 1,171 yards and 9 TDs on the ground along with 351 receiving yards and five scores as a passing weapon.

Duke’s competition includes newly minted ACC foe California, a sleeper team to win the SEC in Ole Miss, and the Toledo Rockets.

Thomas would be a welcome addition to Duke’s running back room. Since Jordan Waters’ departure to the NC State Wolfpack, the Blue Devils have been searching for a more proven option alongside Jaquez Moore, and Thomas certainly fills that role.

 

Lane Kiffin and the Rebels feel like the team to beat, but with Duke making the list as a finalist, we’ll see how things shake out when the dust settles.