A Visit with Ole Miss Commit, Under Armour All-American Cortez Thomas

OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss class of 2025 signee Cortez Thomas recently took the stage for one final time in his high school career as he joined fellow Rebel signee Keon Young in the Under Armour All-American game. We had a chance to visit with Thomas to talk about the game and his future.

2025 DB, @UANextFootball All-American signs with @OleMissFB , Take Care Business My Boy💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/sArauCIYXS

— Marcus Rogers (@CoachRogers88) December 4, 2024

Thomas and Young were two of the nation’s top 100 athletes selected to the Under Armour All American Team.

Thomas, a four-star safety out of Holmes County High School in Lexington, Mississippi, suited up for Team Icon. In the game, Team Icon defeated Team Unstoppable 31-19. While in DeLand, Florida, Thomas trained with the nation’s top coaching staff and fellow blue-chip players.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder is the No. 18 safety in the class and the No. 9 overall athlete out of the Magnolia state. Thomas’ physicality and field awareness help set him apart from others at his position.

We had a chance to catch up with Thomas while he was preparing to play in the Under Armor game to talk about his experience.

RW: What did it mean to you to represent Mississipp and Ole Miss as an Under Armour All American?

Thomas: It’‘s always a blessing to rep where I’m from. Being from Mississippi and showing off the talent Mississippi holds is a pretty big deal in my opinion.

RW: What did you most look forward to in playing for Team Icon?

Thomas: Meeting new guys and learning how their work ethic is and honestly just getting the experience from the game.

RW: What was the experience like for you?

Thomas: Playing with the best helps my game mentally and physically. Learning different terminology from the coaches and being coached by coaches I’m not familiar with is a great start for the level I’ll be headed to in a few months.

RW: What does it meant to not just experience this with your family but also Coach Rogers who has been a big part of your journey?

Thomas: Coach Rogers is and has always been more than a coach to me. He believed in me since day one. He’s a great mentor and coach. Without him, i’m not sure if I would have been in this position I am in today.

RW: How do you believe this opportunity will help you prepare for your next chapter as a Rebel?

Thomas: Playing against the top guys in the country in every position shows me my strengths and weaknesses. This game will let me know what I need to work on and what I’m good with. I plan on making a huge impact in Oxford early!

We also had a chance to catch up with Thomas’ coach at Holmes County, Marcus Rogers, who was also a part of the elite coaching staff on hand in Florida. We asked him what sets Thomas apart from others and what he believes the young defensive back can bring to the Rebels in the future.

“Cortez is a physical specimen who loves the game. He plays with an edge. He also has great character and loves to be coached.”

Coach Marcus Rogers on Cortez Thomas