[LINK] D. Orlando Ledbetter, AJC If Calvin Johnson leaves early for the NFL after next season, Georgia Tech will have another tall receiver waiting to step in. West Laurens High wideout Demaryius Thomas, who like Johnson stands 6 feet 4, committed to the Yellow Jackets this week, becoming the 13th prospect to do so. Landing Thomas is a major
coup for Tech, which beat out rivals Georgia and Clemson for his
services. The Bulldogs and Tigers both wanted Thomas to play tight end. The 215-pound Thomas was also offered scholarships by Duke, Indiana and Louisville.
"I wanted to play wide receiver, and it's close to home," said Thomas, who broke the news to Tech coach Chan Gailey and assistant Giff Smith during an in-home visit in Dublin. "They just told me that they wanted me real bad and that Calvin will probably be leaving after next year and they'll need another big wide receiver."
"Demaryius might end up being the jewel of Georgia Tech's class," Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jeremy Crabtree said. Tech was the first school to offer a scholarship to Thomas, a
late-bloomer who didn't start playing football until his freshman year
of high school. He played quarterback at first, then was moved to
cornerback before finding a home at wide receiver as a senior. Tech
offered him a scholarship during his junior season. "He dominated Georgia Tech's camp earlier this summer and was a
priority target for the Jackets all year long," Scout.com analyst Scott Kennedy
said. "He has terrific body control, and he catches the ball fluidly
despite being relatively new to the game. He has the chance to
complement Calvin Johnson nicely and try and fill his shoes when he's
gone." Thomas, who also plays basketball, caught 56 passes for about 700 yards and seven touchdowns this season. He's the third receiver to commit to Tech, joining 5-10 Dominique Reese of Auburn, Ala., and 6-foot Corey Earls of Macon Central.
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