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Penn State picks up 2025 commitment from Central Catholic CB Xxavier Thomas

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•12/21/23•

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Penn State picked up a commitment from cornerback Xxavier Thomas on Thursday. (Credit: Ryan Snyder | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State head coach James Franklin and his staff picked up a surprise commitment just one day after National Signing Day, adding Central Catholic cornerback Xxavier Thomas on Thursday. A Class of 2025 prospect, Thomas traveled to State College multiple times over the past year. That includes all three of the staff’s marquee home games this past season against West Virginia, Iowa and Michigan.

However, before that, Thomas also camped at Penn State, attending the staff’s White Out Camp in June. As BWI’s Thomas Frank Carr wrote at the time, he did more than hold his own at PSU’s marquee camp of the summer.

“Pittsburgh Central Catholic defensive back Xxavier Thomas looked good going through drills and had solid coverage during the one-on-one portion of the event. He’s on the smaller side at just under 5-10, but he tested very well and has a great reach to compensate for his smaller frame.”

Checking in at 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, he’s expected to play a similar role as Daequan Hardy.

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Thomas also comes from an athletic family, as he’s the younger brother of Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas. Coming out of Yale, Rodney was a seventh-round draft pick back in 2022. He’s been a regular contributor this season, totaling 32 tackles and two interceptions.

As for Xxavier, he started for Central Catholic as a freshman in 2021, totaling 40 tackles and four interceptions that season. This past season, he played in 12 games, totaling 22 tackles and four interceptions.

Thomas is now the third player from Central Catholic to commit to Penn State. Just yesterday, the Nittany Lions locked up his high school teammates, linebacker Anthony Speca and wide receiver Peter Gonzalez.

“I’m just excited to keep building the relationship. It’s a school that we have to recruit; they’re loaded,” said cornerback coach Terry Smith, who also oversees recruiting in Pittsburgh. “They have a lot of young talent, and we’re gonna keep tapping into that talent. They have a new coach that’s doing a great job there, so we’re just got to keep recruiting Central Catholic guys. They’re smart, they’re intelligent, they’re patient and they know what they want.”

In addition to football, Thomas also excelled on the track this past spring, winning the Class 3A WPIAL triple jump championship with a leap of 45 feet, 11 inches. It was a personal best. He went on to finish 12th at the PIAA Class 3A state championships.

Thomas is the seventh player to join Penn State’s Class of 2025. He’s the second defensive back, joining New Jersey native Omari Gaines.

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