LOS ANGELES — Crenshaw High running back DeAnthony Thomas announced Wednesday night that he will sign a letter of intent to play for the Oregon Ducks, reversing his earlier commitment to USC.
Thomas, ranked No. 16 in the ESPNU 150, is one of the most decorated prep players ever to come from Los Angeles. He had been considered one of the jewels of USC’s class.
He had been committed to USC since last spring and only recently seemed to be wavering. Over the weekend, he took an official visit to Oregon and reports immediately began trickling out of Eugene that one of the top playmakers in the country might flip.
Thomas, known locally as “The Black Mamba,” rushed for 1,306 yards, caught 16 passes for 349 yards and scored 27 touchdowns as a senior. He was the Los Angeles City Section Player of the Year as Crenshaw won its second straight title.
Ramona Shelburne is a reporter and columnist for ESPNLosAngeles.com.
