2017 ATH Ambry Thomas (art by Brandon Whitaker).

New Michigan Man: CB Ambry Thomas Commits

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

There were two “must get” in-state recruits for the Wolverines in the 2017 class and the coaching staff just received the pledge from it’s top defensive target in its own state as Detroit King (MI) CB Ambry Thomas has ended all speculation and has committed to Michigan.

Commitment

Scouting Report

Thomas is one of the most versatile players in the country as he is a game breaker at both the cornerback and wide receiver position. His pure athleticism and speed will give him the chance to play either position at the next level but all signs point to him playing defense at Michigan. And with the likelihood of early playing time available at both cornerback and in the return game, Thomas should have the chance to see the field early in his collegiate career.

Fast, athletic kid with good ball skills who could play either side of the ball in college. Needs to still get physically bigger and stronger, but has all of the other tools and can also be a dangerous return man.” – Scout.com

Recruitment

As a top target for the staff and recruit in the country, Thomas’ recruitment had plenty of ups and downs. He first looked to likely to follow in the footsteps of multiple King high school standouts and take his talents to East Lansing. Then it looked like he could end up leaving the state to play his college ball as Tennessee and Penn State looked to have a great shot at landing him. But as time went on, Michigan made its move.

With him being close friends with senior CB Jourdan Lewis, wanting to play college ball with his cousin Cass Tech (MI) DB Jaylen Kelly-Powell (who recently committed to UM) and teaming up with Team Michigan at The Opening in July, Michigan had plenty of momentum which had me putting in a Crystal Ball prediction for Thomas to UM back in July.

All of those connections mixed with his growing relationship with defensive coordinator Don Brown and the chance to play in all three facets of the game that the staff is offering led him to pledge to Michigan in early December, setting him up to enroll early in Ann Arbor in January.

  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 170lbs
  • Hometown (School): Detroit, MI (King)
  • Notable Offers: Ohio State, Clemson, Oklahoma, Auburn, LSU, Miami (FL)
  • Rankings: Scout (4*, #58 overall) – Rivals (4*, #178 overall) – 247 (4*, #31 overall) – ESPN (4*, #261 overall)
  • Composite Ranking: 4 star, #102 overall, #11 CB, #2 in Michigan

Highlights/Interviews

As for the Rest of the Class

Thomas is the 20th overall commitment in the 2017 class, the 3rd defensive back commit and the 6th in-state addition. And he may just be the tip of the iceberg of commitments that should be coming this month for the Wolverines. Keep an eye on WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, OT Isaiah Wilson, LB Jordan Anthony and WR Tarik Black from now until the end of December.

Garrett Fishaw
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