Matthew Thomas' Father Says 5-Star LB Wants to Play for USC Trojans

While Matthew Thomas continues to try to find a way out of his Florida State scholarship, it appears he has already decided what school he would play for if that wish is granted. According to Joe Schad of ESPN, the father of Matthew Thomas, Billy Thomas, says that his son wants to head west and play for USC.

"He made a decision for himself. It's USC," Billy Thomas said.

Per the report, Thomas' dad also indicates that the mother of the 5-star recruit, via 247Sports, refused to sign the paperwork for him to play for USC but would do so if he went to Florida State.

This is lining up with what Matthew Thomas told Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald, when he announced that he would like to be released from his scholarship with Florida State. Thomas indicated that he just wanted to make his mother happy and didn't make the decision he wanted.

Thomas's father also reiterated that his son was making the decision his mother wanted, which is why he has had the sudden change of heart, per the report. 

"On signing day he didn't want to hurt his mom. But he's more excited now. It's about tradition. And surroundings. And excitement," he said.

In order to become a member of the Trojans, Florida State would have to allow it, similar to what recently happened with Eddie Vanderdoes, who was granted permission to leave Notre Dame for UCLA. Unfortunately for Thomas, Florida State athletic director Randy Spetman showed no signs of budging just last month, according to Tallahassee.com.

But if the Seminoles have a change of heart, Thomas would be forced to sit out a year, per NCAA rules, for breaking his commitment. This is a consequence Thomas is willing to deal with, according to his father and the Schad report.

"No disrespect to Florida State but Matthew is willing to take the punishment if there is one," Billy Thomas said. "He's hoping Jimbo will let him go."

The waiting game continues. But at least Thomas has discovered the school he would truly like to play for, which is half the battle at this point.

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