Several schools in NCAA football, from Southern California to Alabama, lay claim to the title of "Tailback U."
After Signing Day 2014, Racean "Roc" Thomas will be looking to add his name to the list of great Auburn Tiger running backs that has given Auburn a valid claim to the title like his predecessors Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams and Tre Mason.
While the competition at running back will be stiff on the Plains with Thomas battling Peyton Barber, Corey Grant, Cameron Artis-Payne and Johnathan Ford, the incoming freshman will look to utilize what can only be described as freakish talent.
"[Thomas] was the top running back on our guys' board," said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. "Our offense staff identified him early, [and] they recruited him extremely hard. He was very loyal to us. He could have gone anywhere, but he chose to not go anywhere and stay with us. We really feel like he has the ability to come in immediately and make a huge impact."
In his three years playing for the 6A Oxford Yellow Jackets, Thomas accumulated 5,515 total yards and 76 touchdowns.
In his senior year, Thomas led the Yellow Jackets to a 93 season, totaling 2,211 yards and 32 touchdowns on the year.
Even though Auburn changed coaching staffs after a 3-9 season, Thomas committed to play on the Plains and never wavered in his decision.
"Everybody doubted me," Thomas told The Anniston Star last month. "Everybody was, 'Why are you choosing Auburn right now? They had a terrible season, a terrible staff.'
"But you know, it's good, because I can just rub it in everybody's face now. They went all the way to the championship."
Coach Ryan Herring took over for the Yellow Jackets in 2013 during Thomas' senior year, but an instant impression was set when he began the season.
"When (Thomas) had the football, he was the ultimate game-breaker," Herring said. "At any time he can break a run and either win the game or keep the game close and give you a chance to win it."
After such a dominating high school career, Thomas was ranked a five-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 2 running back in the nation by Rivals.com, while Scout.com listed him as the No. 3 back.
Among some of his accolades, Thomas was named as a first-team all-state selection as a junior. In 2013, Thomas was named the Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year, the Class 6A Back of the Year by the ASWA and the state's Mr. Football.
"This is really just the beginning of it all," Thomas said. "This is a great award, but I want to win more. I want to win Heismans. Jameis Winston won it, so I'm hoping I'm next."
Thomas was also selected for both the 2014 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and the 2014 Under Armour All-American game.
Analysts who have watched Thomas' lateral movement and breakaway speed call back to the days of Bo Jackson. He also has a mixture of ability to remain on his feet and break a tackle like recent Heisman finalist Tre Mason.
One of Thomas's most valuable qualities is his breakaway speed. Clocking a 4.48 40-yard dash time, once Thomas sees open field ahead, defenders have a hard time catching him.
"He's almost like Bo Jackson how he could finish a run," said Herring. "You thought for sure he'd be caught, but he'd end up in front of someone who had a great angle on him.
Along with Thomas's obvious physical skills, he brings a special brand of silent leadership according to Coach Herring.
"He had a lot of silent leadership during the games on Friday night, which is what I like." said Herring. "I thought he did a great job being a leader by his actions and not just by his words."
While Thomas will battle a stable full of talented backs for the starting job on the plains, his high school coach is already certain that he can make it big.
"Athletically and potential-wise, he's a freak," said Herring. "If he dedicates himself he can definitely play in the NFL."
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