Matthew Thomas: Power Ranking 5-Star OLB's Favorite Schools

Ranked as the 13th-best player in the entire country for 2013 by ESPNU, Matthew Thomas is an outstanding second-level defender from Florida. He holds the scholarship offers that players dream of, and he's a wanted man on the recruiting trail.

Based on his profile with Scout.com, Thomas has narrowed his choices down to four schools. For this read, we're going to power rank those four schools in order of who has the best chance.

So come inside and find out a little bit more about Matthew Thomas and his final four schools.

Matthew Thomas Scouting Report

Thomas is from the Miami area and is one of the best talents to ever come out of highly-esteemed Booker T. Washington High School. He's a 5-star recruit according to Scout.com, and every other major recruiting publication also holds him in high regard.

At 6'3" and 210 pounds, Thomas' main trait is his play speed. He's a dangerous OLB prospect that can fit in as a Will or Sam in a 4-3. He also has the pass-rush ability to play the stand-up OLB spot in a 3-4 scheme.

Thomas plays with excellent range and instinct. He shows solid ball location skills but will get fooled by misdirection plays. He can factor as a pass defender, yet on third downs Thomas is at his best squeezing the pocket and getting after the passer.

4. Georgia

Georgia is one of the top four schools for Thomas, reports Scout.com. The Bulldogs have been on his trail for quite some time, and Thomas could fit in well in Athens.

With his skill set, I imagine Thomas as a Jack-type OLB for Todd Grantham's unit. His speed and quickness would make him a terror coming off the edges.

Mark Richt and his staff would be wise to stay on Thomas' case until they are told "no."

3. Miami

Another one of the main four schools Scout.com lists is Miami. For Thomas, Miami is of interest because it is his hometown school and many players from his high school go to The U.

Surely Al Golden is selling the "stay at home" angle with Thomas, and being in the area could convince Thomas to stick around.

The Hurricanes are in the mix and will probably stay in it until the end, but they have some ground to make up.

2. Alabama

Alabama is a program that prides itself on defense, so landing a defensive player like Thomas has to be a priority.

Thomas likely would play the OLB position for the Crimson Tide, as they would exploit his pass-rushing ability, athleticism and speed to make plays. I could envision Thomas excelling as a Jack OLB in Tuscaloosa.

Look for the Tide to get Thomas on campus for a visit this fall to showcase what they have to offer in person.

1. Florida State

Scout.com reports that FSU is the leader in the clubhouse right now for Thomas. The Seminoles are known for their pass-rushing edge players, from Peter Boulware to Brandon Jenkins and many others.

Thomas has Tallahassee as his No. 1 option right now. Balling for Jimbo Fisher appears to be very appealing to the Florida defender.

Look for Florida State to try to seal the deal for Thomas' services as soon as it can.

Edwin Weathersby has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and the Las Vegas Gladiators of the Arena League. He spent a year evaluating prep prospects & writing specific recruiting and scouting content articles for Student Sports Football (now ESPN Rise-HS). A syndicated scout and writer, he's also contributed to WeAreSC.com, GatorBait.net and Diamonds in the Rough Inc., a College Football and NFL Draft magazine.