Notre Dame’s CB Prospect: Cree Thomas – An Inside Perspective
Cree Thomas, a cornerback commit for the University of Notre Dame, recently had the opportunity to witness the Super Bowl firsthand. Sitting in Allegiant Stadium, Thomas watched his step-brother, San Francisco 49ers defensive back Isaiah Oliver, play in the game. The experience only fueled Thomas’ desire to reach the NFL himself one day. He expressed his aspirations, saying, “Of course, I want to get through college, but the dream is the NFL. That’s the top. Seeing the Super Bowl, that’s as big as it gets. That’s where I want to be one day.”
Thomas has always been surrounded by athletic influences. His step-brother Oliver also played at Brophy Prep, a school in Phoenix that shares similarities with Notre Dame. Both Thomas and Oliver ran track and excelled in their respective sports. Thomas even won the state meet in the decathlon as a freshman. With football always being his ultimate goal, Thomas is determined to make it to college and beyond.
From a young age, Thomas had access to experienced coaches and mentors who helped shape his skills. His father, Leon Thomas, ensured that Cree received professional guidance in various sports. Whether it was baseball, track and field, or football, Thomas had the support he needed to thrive. His connection with Oliver’s family further solidified his passion for the game and motivated him to pursue excellence.
At Brophy Prep, Thomas continues to demonstrate his versatility as an athlete. Alongside his football commitments, he participates in track and field as a decathlete, showcasing his ability to excel in multiple events. His well-roundedness extends beyond athletics, as he also has interests in theater, golf, and photography. Thomas is considering pursuing photography as a major at Notre Dame or exploring options in business.
Brophy Prep’s defensive coordinator, Kevin Scott, recognizes Thomas’ potential and the impact he can make on the field. Scott has worked with numerous talented defensive backs, including Ben Morrison, who signed with Notre Dame in 2022. He believes Thomas has the ability to surpass Morrison’s achievements and become an exceptional player. Scott emphasizes the importance of film study and is working with Thomas to enhance his game awareness and aggressiveness.
Thomas welcomes the comparisons to Morrison, viewing them as a compliment rather than a burden. He acknowledges that he has a lot of work to do to reach Morrison’s level but finds inspiration in having someone to look up to. Thomas aspires to play at a similar caliber as Morrison and hopes to make a name for himself at Notre Dame.
When it came time to choose a college, Thomas found Notre Dame to be the perfect fit. During his visit, he was impressed by the university’s academic and athletic programs. The encounter with Associate Director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes, Adam Sargent, left a lasting impression on Thomas and his parents. Sargent’s personal story of overcoming adversity through education resonated with Thomas and solidified his decision.
Thomas committed to Notre Dame on November 20, honoring his late grandfather in the process. He felt a strong connection to the university and appreciated the efforts of the coaching staff in recruiting him. Cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens, recruiting director Chad Bowden, defensive coordinator Al Golden, and head coach Marcus Freeman all played a role in convincing Thomas that Notre Dame was the right choice for him.
While Thomas and Morrison may never be teammates at Notre Dame, their bond remains strong. They may have missed playing together at Brophy Prep, but they have stayed connected and supported each other throughout their respective journeys. Thomas looks up to Morrison and believes that he can surpass his accomplishments. He welcomes the challenge and hopes to elevate the standard set by Morrison.
As Thomas prepares to embark on his college career at Notre Dame, he remains focused on his goals. With the support of his family, coaches, and step-brother Oliver, Thomas is determined to make a name for himself in the world of football. He is ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and is excited to join the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.