An important aspect of recruiting is developing pipelines with specific high schools, and Penn State freshman Xxavier Thomas is an example of this.
In 2024, two of Thomas’ teammates at Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, Anthony Speca and Peter Gonzalez, arrived at Penn State.
Now, Thomas, a 5-foot-11, 181-pound defensive back, has done the same and thus has moved from one of the most prestigious high school programs in Western Pennsylvania to one of the most historic ones in the county.
Thomas helped Central to a WPIAL Championship as a high school senior, and as a college freshman, he just might be part of a national championship team.
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 181 pounds
Hometown: Canonsburg, PA
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Before Penn State: Thomas came to Penn State as a four-star prospect per 247Sports, and a big reason he reached that status was because of his versatility. Just take a look at his senior season. Defensively, Thomas ended the season with 15 tackles, six interceptions (including a pick six) and five pass breakups. He also played receiver and ended the year with 624 yards and nine touchdowns. Special teams? Yes. Thomas ended the year with upward of 600 yards in returns between returning kicks and punts. Add that to what he did offensively, and Thomas has more than 1,000 all-purpose yards in just 13 games. Not too shabby.
Where he stands: Most freshmen at Power Four programs don’t play, and Penn State, which many see as a national title favorite, is no exception. With a loaded defensive back room that features players such as AJ Harris, Zakee Wheatley and Elliot Washington, Thomas probably won’t get much time barring something unforeseen.
But his versatility gives him plenty of options.
A quote by Thomas: “They offered me, and I committed on the spot.” — Xxavier Thomas to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review following his commitment.
A quote about Thomas: “He’s probably the most dynamic returner I’ve been around in my coaching career. He has a knack for it and a natural ability. You really can’t coach that.” — Central Catholic coach Ryan Lehmeier to the Tribune-Review.
