Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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76 MARCH 2025 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2025 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY TODD D. BURLAGE P reparing well in advance for the like- lihood that Irish junior all-every- thing cornerback Benjamin Morrison would forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, the Notre Dame coaches focused much of their attention this recruiting cycle on forti- fying their defensive secondary. In fact, with three safeties and three cornerbacks coming in, the six defen- sive backs make up almost a quarter of the Irish's 25-man 2025 recruiting class. When Morrison made his NFL decision official Jan. 23, an opportunity immedi- ately opened up for three-star freshman cornerback Cree Thomas to try and fill the void. It could be an interesting passing of the position torch given that both Thomas and Morrison are products of Phoenix Brophy Prep, and even played one season together there when Mor- rison was a senior and Thomas a fresh- man. "It's starting the Brophy pipeline to Notre Dame," Thomas said. "When I told Ben [Morrison] that I was commit- ting, he was super hyped." Thomas explained that watching his mentor enjoy so much success and gain mega notoriety at Notre Dame inspired him to take his own look at the Irish program. "It was cool to see how Notre Dame developed a kid from my high school," Thomas said. "It makes me know that if I work as hard as Ben, then I can do what he did." With sophomore Leonard Moore and junior Christian Gray expected to start at cornerbacks in 2025, and Alabama graduate transfer DeVonta Smith set to hold down the nickel back position, odds are long for Thomas to crack the starting lineup, beyond special teams. However, Morrison carried similar preseason projections as a freshman in 2022, and he ended up a starter and a Freshman All-American after he re- corded 33 tackles with 6 interceptions and 5 passes broken up. Position projections aside, Brophy head coach Jason Jewell explained for a post on the school website that Notre Dame is getting much more than a tal- ented cornerback with Thomas. "He's a leader and a role model on campus, a member of the choir, an all-state member of our track team, a member of the Black Student Union, and one of the most well-liked students on campus," Jewell explained. "With- out a doubt, we will miss Cree on this team, but I know everyone will be proud watching him on TV at Notre Dame." And for Thomas, who's already on campus as a January enrollee, he's just excited to get started. "It has been my dream to play Divi- sion I football on the biggest stage," he said. "I am ecstatic I got to commit to Notre Dame and for the opportunity. I am ready to run out of that tunnel for the first time and play for the Irish." ✦ Thomas comes to Notre Dame from Phoenix Brophy Prep, the same school that produced Irish standout cornerback Benjamin Morrison. PHOTO BY CHAD WEAVER Cree Thomas Embraces A Lofty Comparison CREE THOMAS CORNERBACK 6-1 ∙ 176 BROPHY COLLEGE PREPARATORY PHOENIX RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE Industry ✪ ✪ ✪ 508 50 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 81 7 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 39 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 64 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 35 4 STATISTICS • As a senior, compiled 40 stops (36 solo), 2 tack- les for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 4 passes broken up, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. • Posted 43 tackles (34 solo), 5 interceptions and 4 passes broken up during his junior season. • Credited with 33 total tackles, 6 passes broken up and 1 interception as a sophomore. NOTABLE • 2024 Arizona 6A first-team all-state and Ari- zona Republic first-team All-Arizona. • 2023 and 2024 6A All-Central Region first-team defensive back and punt returner. • Comes from the same high school that pro- duced former Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison. • Was a varsity captain in 2024. RECRUITMENT • Enrolled at Notre Dame in January. • Committed to the Fighting Irish on Nov. 20, 2023. • Picked the Irish over offers from Arizona, Ari- zona State, Oregon and Wisconsin. • Recruited by defensive backs coach Mike Mick- ens. • Visited Notre Dame seven times, including his official visit on June 7, 2024. 2025 PROJECTION • Expected to redshirt. THEY SAID IT Prep Football Report recruiting analyst Tom Lemming: "Cree is a quick thinker who seems to figure out what's going to happen before it actually does. He has great range, terrific makeup speed, loose hips and the confidence needed to play cor- ner at the next level. "He certainly has the fluid hips to turn and run with the swiftest of receivers. He shows a smooth backpedal and can be a physical 170-pounder with excellent ball skills." On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power: "Thomas is a versatile defensive back with very good ball skills. He's played corner and a good bit of safety, and it'll be interesting to see where he ends up position-wise. He shows very good coverage instincts and the ability to read the quarterback's eyes. Most importantly, he makes plays on the ball. Thomas finishes plays and makes the most of errant throws and any opportunity to make a play. "There are positives with Thomas, and obvi- ously Notre Dame has hit at Brophy before with Benjamin Morrison coming from there. He's a nice pickup; there's a good bit to like about Cree Thomas."