Carlton Thomas, from Frostproof Middle High School (Fla.), is a small running back with big offers and great vision. The 5-foot-7, 175 pounder also runs a 4.5 forty.
Thomas says he has approximately 13 scholarship offers, from schools such as Auburn, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Arizona State, USC, Navy, Connecticut, Southern Florida, Central Florida and Iowa.
He also said he favors Notre Dame slightly over Auburn, West Virginia, Arkansas and Arizona State.
"I love the prestige of Notre Dame," Thomas said. "The coaches are great and I love their experience. Coach Charlie Weis coached in the NFL and I also really like their academic tradition.
"They are recruiting me really hard," he said. "I got the offer from them a few weeks ago and ever since then they've been on me. They send a lot of mail and text messages and stuff."
Thomas' first scholarship offer came from Auburn and he plans on attending the Tigers camp this summer. "They are only about seven hours away and they are always making a BCS bowl. It's seems like they are always in it for the national championship. Also, I like that they run the ball a lot and I think I'd be able to fit into their offense well."
Thomas also plans on going to the Florida State camp, although the in-state Noles haven't offered yet.
"I want to see how much everyone wants me," Thomas said. "I don't want to sit on the bench, so I want to go where they need me. I'm gonna hold out as long as I can to see who really wants me."
Thomas insists that distance won't be a deciding factor and that's why he has Arizona State in his top five. "I'll go anywhere," he said. "I know they (ASU) are rebuilding and they are up-and-coming. I like the new coaches and they've got an offense similar to what we run."
He finished his junior season with 2283 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns. Thomas benches 315 pounds, squats 440 and has a 36-inch vertical jump.
"I have great vision and good speed," he said. "I can find the opening and can do whatever it takes. I try to capitalize on the defenses' mistakes.
"I want to become a better blocker and am working on my pass protection," Thomas said. "I'd also like to see the holes earlier."
He reports a 3.4 core GPA and a 910 SAT, which he is retaking in June.