Michigan State football: 3-star DE Curlee Thomas IV set for official visit

Curlee Thomas IV has locked in an official visit to East Lansing from June 11-14. The 247Sports composite ranks him as a three-star prospect and the No. 507 prospect in the country.

Thomas is listed at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds and plays at powerhouse Nolan Catholic high school in Fort Worth, Texas. He was named an all-state selection in Texas’ 6A division. In nine games last year, he recorded 16 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and 58 tackles.

Thomas is a big, physical lineman who can make moves and gets in the backfield often. He describes himself as “intellectually brutal” on the field.

Relationships are a big part of recruiting. Thomas talks to defensive line coach Ron Burton and defensive coordinator Scottie Hazleton. Thomas said, “The relationship (with Burton and Hazleton) is growing each day.”

Michigan State football making a strong push

Michigan State has done a great job of prioritizing Thomas and locking up one of his five official visits. Landing him won’t be easy though. Thomas told me Cal, UCLA, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Arkansas are also after him. Texas Tech and Oklahoma State also are getting an official visit from Thomas.

Thomas is excited to get the chance to check out Michigan State for himself.

“I’m excited about everything. I’ve never been to Michigan.”

Education, culture, large alumni base, and development will all play a role in Thomas’s decision.

“I’ll decide in July after official visits,” said Thomas.

This upcoming fall, Thomas wants to work on his overall game before going to college.

“I’m a pretty complete player, so I’d just want to improve it all,” said Thomas.

Mel Tucker and the rest of Michigan State’s staff will have to work to get the signature come signing day for Thomas, but they have set themselves up in a good position. Stay tuned for Thomas’s decision this summer.