Recruiting: Crenshaw running back De’Anthony Thomas is emotional in his decision

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To see the most recognizable, visible and popular high school football player in Los Angeles decide to leave town for Oregon is pretty stunning.

But I have to admit I have even greater respect for Crenshaw running back De’Anthony Thomas after seeing him stand at a podium at Crenshaw and make the announcement Wednesday. That was one tough decision not to pick USC, a school he had been committed to publicly for eight months and a school not far from where he lives.

Whatever happened on his trip to Oregon last week sure made an impression on Thomas, who said he was comfortable with Eugene, the Oregon players and the Oregon offense.

But you also can tell how emotional Thomas was. Tears were coming down his face, especially when he vowed to return to Crenshaw and coach when his football days were over. In other words, he’s leaving town, but he’s not going to forget those who helped him along the way, and he promises to return.

We’ll see if this turns out to be a good decision, but I admire his courage and fortitude. And he said his days being known as the Black Mamba are over. He’s now Baby DT.

-- Eric Sondheimer