Franklin's Thomas Signs On to Play Football at Rutgers University

As his high school highlight reel played on a projector screen in the background, Franklin senior Ian Thomas announced in front of a packed gym—filled with his classmates, teachers, coaches and family—that he would be continuing his football career up north at Rutgers University.

In the weeks leading up to this morning, Thomas, who collected scholarship offers from over 20 schools, had narrowed his choices to Rutgers, Virginia, North Carolina and Iowa. But, prior to inking his national letter of intent, the wide-eyed senior told former WJZ personality John Buren, who emceed the ceremony, that although he doesn’t know if he’ll make it to the NFL, he can guarantee he’ll be leaving Rutgers with a four-year degree.

“That’s the bottom line,” Thomas said of his education. “Going to school for free, that’s a blessing.  I thank my parents, I thank god. Four years from now I will definitely have a degree.”

Thomas said that he arrived at his decision late Tuesday night. He explained that although he was disappointed that former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano recently left the university to become the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the bonds he formed with some of his future teammates at Rutgers and his comfortability level on the campus helped solidify his choice.

“I knew I wasn’t picking Rutgers for the coaches,” Thomas said. “It was more for the program and I like the people in the program, the players in the program. I have great relationship with them all.”

He emphasized a saying that he learned at Rutgers during his official visit in December that effectively described the family vibe the program strives to create.

“Forget about me, I love you,” Thomas said, reciting the motto. “That really stuck out to me and I still use that phrase to this day.”  

Over his varsity career at Franklin, Thomas amassed 120 catches, 31 touchdowns and 2,154 yards receiving on offense while producing big plays on special teams as a return man and defense as a defensive back, as well.

“He’s the stereotypical receiver. Great hands, great speed, acceleration, burst. He was a dream to coach,” offensive coordinator Ryan Hain said. “He’s always willing to learn and get better. Every day he wanted to get better as a player and a person.”

Thomas wasn’t the only Indians athlete to be honored Wednesday morning. In fact, six Franklin students were honored for their college commitments, including two of Thomas’ teammates.

Lineman Cyril Nuworsoo (University of Charlestown) and defensive end Andrew Bond (Averett University) also signed their letters of intent.

Franklin also honored the fall commitments of lacrosse players Sarah Rybak and Maggie Montanye and basketball player Ashley Reid.