Destrehan High School has seen plenty of recruits reach the highest levels of college and pro football, and now it has two more players set to take that path.
Class of 2025 safety Jhase Thomas and 2025 wide receiver Phillip Wright made their commitments on Saturday with Thomas choosing LSU and Wright pledging to the reigning national champion Michigan.
Thomas and Wright were highly sought-after recruits with plenty of Power Five offers to pick from, and they’ve got their commitments locked in before the start of their senior seasons.
Thomas to LSU
Thomas, a late riser in the recruiting process, decided on LSU after receiving an offer from coach Brian Kelly while attending a camp in May.
“It’s the greatest feeling,” Thomas said. “This doesn’t even feel real to me right now. (Kelly) told me he would love for me to be a Tiger, and the first thing I told him was that I am going to be a Tiger. That day, I knew for a fact I was going to be a Tiger.”
Thomas committed on his birthday, choosing the Tigers over Ole Miss, Houston, Colorado and Texas Tech.
“It was the relationships (at LSU),” Thomas said. “You can tell what bonds are really real. I was able to talk with coach Kelly and the rest of the defensive staff every single day since they offered me, so I knew it was going to be LSU.”
Thomas, who projects as a free safety in college, developed a versatile skill set while learning from his dad, former Saints cornerback Fred Thomas.
“He is a very athletic kid,” Fred Thomas said. “He’s played multiple positions; he’s played it all. I always explained to him that he’s got a toolbox, and in that toolbox, you’ve got multiple tools. Having those tools brings your value up.”
Wright to Michigan
Wright, one of the state's fastest recruits, narrowed his choices to LSU, Georgia and Michigan before choosing the Wolverines over the SEC powers.
“After talking to my mom and dad, I felt (Michigan) was the best decision for me,” Wright said. “I feel like I’ll fit well in their offense.”
Wright, listed as an athlete on multiple recruiting sites, is set to be a receiver in Michigan’s pro-style offense after being recruited by receivers coach Ronald Bellamy, a New Orleans native who played at Shaw.
“(Bellamy) is a guy just like me,” Wright said. “He’s a great coach. I’ve got speed and am versatile, too. I can switch it up. I like that (Michigan’s offense) helps you ready for the next level (NFL).”
Wright is the third New Orleans area recruit to commit to Michigan in the past month, joining Shaw 2025 recruits Jasper Parker and Jacob Washington.
“We already know each other,” Wright said. “Bringing the boot up to Michigan, we’re going to make great things happen.”
Senior expectations
Now that Thomas and Wright have made their commitments, they’re excited for their senior seasons at Destrehan.
“It’s an amazing feeling to get it done before the season,” Thomas said. “Deep safety is going to be my position in college, but you’re going to see me at multiple positions this season. My expectations are to go win a state championship.”
“It’s amazing because we came from zero to a lot now,” Wright said. “We’ve been grinding for the past three years, going on four. I want to win another state championship, get more touchdowns and more yards. I just want to be a better player than I was last year.”