Three-star Cal commit Curlee Thomas IV adds Illini offer

Illinois looked to the Lone Star state for its latest 2022 recruiting target, extending an offer to three-star defensive end Curlee Thomas IV from Fort Worth (Texas) Nolan Catholic.

Thomas is currently verbally committed to California. Orange and Blue News caught up with Thomas to talk about his new Big Ten offer from the Fighting Illini.

Currently sitting at 16 commitments in its 2022 recruiting class, the Illini still have some spots to fill with the December signing period fast approaching.

Adding edge rushers is a priority, and Thomas added the offer on Wednesday. He remains committed to Cal, but the offer from the Illini was a big one for him.

"The Illinois offer means a lot. It’s an offer I wanted," he said.

Thomas chose Cal in mid-June from a long list of Power 5 offers. He also took visits to Oklahoma State, Texas, Baylor, and Michigan State.

Several things about Illinois stand out to Thomas, including the level of competition and a chance to see the field early. He plans to major in engineering, so the academic piece is also important.

"It's a Big Ten school so I’ll face really good offensive line play and I fell of have an opportunity to play as a true freshman," Thomas said. "It’s a great engineering school too."

Thomas has a prior connection with two coaches on the Illinois staff. Outside linebackers coach Kevin Kane and defensive line coach Terrance Jamison were both recruiting Thomas at their previous schools.

"Both are really cool guys," Thomas said. "They respect the player and the relationship building."

Head coach Bret Bielema spoke to Thomas personally to extend the offer as he looks to take advantage of the big win on Saturday over Penn State.

"Coach Bret reached out to me yesterday and told me to come be a part of something great while getting an engineering degree," Thomas said. "Also said beating Penn St was just the beginning."

Thomas has been a prolific pass rusher at Nolan Catholic. This season through 8 games he has 64 tackles, 10 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. He'd likely play the rush linebacker position should he flip to Illinois.

Nolan Catholic has two more regular season games, then hope to make a long run the state playoffs. After that, Illinois is working to get Thomas on campus for a visit. It sounds like that will happen.

"I’m focusing on winning a state title but after that I’ll sit down with my family and determine the best time," Thomas said.