Brian Thomas Jr. sends parting message to LSU fans

Brian Thomas Jr. is only hours away from fulfilling his childhood dream. However, before he hears his named called in the 2024 NFL Draft, Thomas took a moment to give a shout out to LSU and its fans.

“Thank you all for everything. I appreciate you all,” Thomas said on Wednesday. “LSU is home for me. It will always be home. Just thank you all for everything.”

This past season, Thomas tallied 68 receptions 1,177 yards and a nation-high 17 touchdowns. The 17 touchdowns are the third-most in a single-season in LSU history. Even more impressive, Thomas posted the jaw-dropping numbers while splitting touches with All-American Malik Nabers.

For his efforts in the 2023 campaign, Thomas was named a Third Team All-American by AP and an All-SEC Second Team member by the league’s coaches. Thomas and Nabers became only the third pair of receivers in LSU history to each top the 1,000-yard mark in the same season.

In three years with the Tigers, Thomas amassed 127 receptions for 1,897 yards and 24 scores. Thomas played high school football at Walker (LA), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 93 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Brian Thomas Jr. receives rave comparison to NFL star

NFL insider Matt Miller believes Thomas’ success won’t stop at the next level and even compared the Louisiana native to Cincinnati Bengals wideout Tee Higgins.

“[LSU’s] other wide receiver, Brian Thomas – who happened to lead the nation with 17 touchdown catches last year. He is someone that can stretch the field vertically, he can beat you over the top,” Miller said. “I compared him to Tee Higgins, but here’s the thing. I think he’s actually faster than Tee was coming out of college. There could be some 4.3 ability here.

“He’s someone in the top 20, once we get past those big three receivers, I think a lot of teams are gonna fall in love with Brian Thomas Jr. this week. I know I have, watching the tape, so I think general managers are going to do the same because he’s an electric vertical threat.”

Fans won’t have to wait long to see where Thomas lands. The NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The second and third rounds will be on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds will be on Saturday, April 27.