Temple EDGE Tra Thomas is Transferring to NC State

Temple EDGE Tra Thomas (6’4″/230) is transferring to NC State!

Let’s Work!! @PackFootball pic.twitter.com/t9FV0rcbD6

— Tra Thomas (@tragod23) January 6, 2025

Thomas just wrapped up a visit to Raleigh this weekend, after receiving an offer on December 28th.

Thomas started his career playing Linebacker at Independence Community College in 2021, recording 39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and 1 interception.

He transferred to Temple in 2022. 247Sports ranked Thomas as the #27 overall JUCO player in the 2022 class, and the #4 EDGE.

In his 1st season with the Owls, Thomas racked up 14 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in 4 games at Outside Linebacker, but suffered a season ending injury, which resulted in a redshirt season.

In 2023, the Owls shifted Thomas to Defensive End, starting in 9 of the 12 games. He finished the year with 30 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

This season, Thomas was Temple’s starter at the JACK position, which is a hybrid between Defensive End and Outside Linebacker. He started all 12 games, and recorded 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble. Thomas’ PFF grade was 68.8, which was the 7th highest grade on Temple’s defense (350+ snaps).

Thomas told me that NC State is recruiting him as a Linebacker/Rusher.

Currently, Thomas has 1 year of eligibility remaining, but depending on how things shake out with the JUCO/NCAA court case, he could possibly have 2.

Thomas is familiar with NC State’s new Defensive Coordinator DJ Eliot, who served in that role at Temple in 2022. Considering that Eliot is likely to run some sort of 3-4 defensive scheme, Thomas looks to be a perfect pass rusher in NC State’s defense in 2025.

Thomas is the 2nd player from Temple to transfer to NC State today, joining his teammate Jamel Johnson (Cornerback).

Thomas is NC State’s 8th commitment in their 2025 Transfer Class, joining teammate Cornerback Jamel Johnson (Temple), Offensive Linemen Teague Anderson (Utah State), Brock Stukes (North Carolina A&T) and Jalen Grant (Purdue), Linebacker AJ Richardson (Norfolk State),  Tight End Cody Hardy (Elon), and Cornerback Jaren Sensabaugh (Temple).