Gamecocks’ lone tailback commitment recaps visit to ACC school

South Carolina is trying its darndest to hold on to the commitment of running back Amari Thomas of Blountstown, Florida.

He chose the Gamecocks in August over Florida State, Colorado and Georgia Tech. He was also once committed to the Seminoles.

Thomas visited Florida State last weekend for the showdown with Miami. That was his first visit to Tallahassee since committing to the Gamecocks.

“They treat me good,” Thomas said. “Florida State is coming up. They came up short the last two weekends, but they can fix it. That was a good game to go to. All the big recruits were there.”

About 130 of them, according to reports. At this point, Thomas said the Seminoles are putting a lot of pressure on him to flip.

“They just tell me to be me,” he said. “Keep doing what I’m doing. They’re checking in with me.”

Thomas also visited South Carolina for the Kentucky game for his first visit to Columbia since his official visit in late May.

“It was a good experience, saw a lot of sideline action,” Thomas said. “Got to talk to coach on the home field. It was a blessing to be there. Atmosphere was good. It was intense. The boys played good. Shout out to my boy Oscar (Adaway). That was a good game to go to.”

Thomas said he’ll return for another USC game this season, possibly Clemson or possibly earlier. He wouldn’t quantify the strength of is commitment to the Gamecocks, but he did confirm it still exists.

“I feel the same, but like I said, you can’t count anybody out,” Thomas said. “I love Florida State. I love South Carolina. I love whoever is still recruiting me, honestly. They’re all good people. Everybody’s got good people inside their building.”

Thomas mentioned Colorado as the only other school on his mind at this point. He also does not have any other visits scheduled for this fall.

Thomas is having a huge senior season. He has rushed for 1,058 yards in six games, averaging over 16 yards per carry. He has scored 13 touchdowns.

“I’ve been playing good, playing any role to help the team win,” Thomas said. “Spreading the love. That’s all. What I can do, they can do. I’m blocking more, honestly. I’m better coachable, listening, being there for my teammates and being a better person.”

Thomas is the only running back commitment in USC’s 2026 class.