Preparing to Play, What Does WVU Think They’re Getting in JaCorey Thomas?

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – On the heels of the WVU defense allowing 609 yards, JaCorey Thomas is working his way towards getting on the field to help.

And with Thomas fully apart of his new team, it’s time to learn more about West Virginia’s prized acquisition. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley labeled Thomas as a “physical” player and someone who is easy to be around. Alley called him “fun loving” and said he was able to be easily be accepted in the locker room despite the award scenario of coming in with the season already underway and competing to take playing time away from existing contributors.

Thomas, who spent four seasons at Georgia from 2022-25, and several others were granted an injunction and temporary restraining order thanks to a ruling inside a Monroe Circuit Court in the State of Indiana in front of West Virginia’s game with Oklahoma State. However, there wasn’t enough time to get him ready to play by Saturday night.

Now a week later, Rich Rodriguez hinted at Thomas being on track to make his Mountaineer debut at Iowa State. Alley even revealed how he’s spent some one-on-one time with Thomas since to get him up to speed and figure out how to best employ him against the Cyclones.

While Thomas did take part in an NFL rookie mini camp with the Carolina Panthers, he did not sign a professional contract, which does differentiate him from those who attempted to revert back to college football after failing to make a main roster in the NFL.

Willing to acknowledge his past comments and the Big 12’s current stance on adding professional players, Rodriguez said the fact Thomas never signed an actual contract with an NFL team was a different in being willing to pursue him. Rodriguez then added that he believes Thomas taking part in an NFL rookie mini camp will not impact his eligibility, which also made him comfortable in bringing in a new player after the season kicked off.

As a player, Thomas recorded 45 total tackles and one for a loss and a sack with the Bulldogs in 2025.

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