Reports: RB Thomas flips to Oregon

Published Feb. 2, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

USC's highly regarded recruiting class took a hit Wednesday night when Los Angeles Crenshaw defensive back/running back DeAnthony Thomas reneged on his earlier commitment to the Trojans and announced he will sign with Oregon, according to multiple reports.

Thomas, a five-star prospect and the top-ranked cornerback in the 2011 recruiting class according to Scout.com, was the Los Angeles City Section player of the year as a senior at Crenshaw. He was considered the most prized piece of USC's recruiting class, which is still expected to remain among the top 10 in the country.

Thomas committed to USC last spring, but took an official recruiting visit to Oregon last weekend. After that visit, reports began circulating that he was reconsidering his decision.

At 5-10, 175, Thomas projects as a defensive back/kick returner in college, but Oregon could also be interested in him as a running back or receiver. In its assessment of him, Scout.com said: "The only thing that keeps Thomas from being the #1 prospect in the country is that he's on the small side. But his combination of raw speed, change of direction, balance, and natural athleticism is at the top of the heap."