Roc Thomas’ journey from one university in Alabama to another in the state is officially complete.
In May, reports began to surface that Thomas would be transferring from Auburn to Jacksonville State. On the last day of last month, the Tigers confirmed that they had given the running back a release from his scholarship.
Earlier this week, the FCS program confirmed Thomas’ addition to the roster.
Because JSU plays at the FCS level, Thomas will be eligible to play immediately in 2016. Counting this season, he has two years of eligibility remaining, plus a redshirt season.
“Roc is a great addition for our team,” a statement from JSU head coach John Grass, who was also Thomas’ high school coach, began. “We lost some key players at running back and it’s really good to get him in and help shore up the depth at that position.
“He is a great player that is returning home. He was a 5-star running back that is an explosive player. He is familiar with our system after playing for me in high school, and I expect him to flourish in it here at JSU.”
A five-star member of AU’s 2014 recruiting class, Thomas was rated by 247Sports.com as the No. 4 back in the country; the No. 3 player at any position in the state of Alabama; and the No. 23 player overall on that recruiting website’s composite board.
Thomas played in 19 games the past two seasons on The Plains, starting five of those contests. He totaled 475 yards and three touchdowns on 86 carries. In the passing game, the rising junior contributed 227 yards and a touchdown on 17 receptions.
In addition to Thomas, the Gamecocks have also added FBS transfers in offensive lineman Darius Anderson (East Carolina), cornerback Al Harris Jr. (South Carolina) and wide receiver Kevin Spears (LSU).