Florida State incoming freshman linebacker Matthew Thomas made headlines last month when he announced that he wanted out of his commitment with the Seminoles and wanted to look elsewhere. His father, Billy Thomas, confirmed the star prospect's choice to ESPN on Tuesday.
"He made a decision for himself. It's USC," Billy Thomas said.
According to the father, Thomas was told by his mother on national signing day that she would not sign paperwork if he chose to attend USC but would for Florida State. Thomas was a star football player in the Miami area, within a few hours from the Tallahassee location of the FSU campus.
Matthew Thomas did not speak to ESPN about the situation. His mother-whom his father said he is no longer in a relationship with - is out of the country.
Thomas has not confirmed to the Seminoles that he will not attend Florida State and that family interactions have played a role in his decision, a separate source told ESPN.com.
The 6-foot-3, 205 pound prospect was the No. 2 overall outside linebacker and the No. 15 national prospect of the 2013 recruiting class, according to Rivals.com.
If Thomas does choose to enroll at USC, he must receive a release from the Seminoles or the National Letter of Intent group, which seems unlikely. He could then follow the path of Eddie Vanderdoes, who recently gave up one year of eligibility to attend Notre Dame after already signing with UCLA.
"No disrespect to Florida State but Matthew is willing to take the punishment if there is one," Billy Thomas said. "He's hoping Jimbo will let him go."
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