A program receiving a verbal commitment sight-unseen is somewhat rare in this day and age of recruiting.

But as they say, ‘when you know you know.’

Jacob Thomas has committed to Pitt. The Pembroke Pines (Fla.) Flanagan standout becomes the first class of 2027 pledge for Patt Narduzzi’s program.

“I’m committed to the University of Pittsburgh,” Thomas told Rivals. “Coach Kade Bell And Coach JJ Laster are my guys. I loved how honest they have been with me since I was offered. They say my speed is rare to find. I have maintained close relationship with both coach Bell and coach Laster. They came by to see me during spring.

“They express to me how they would use me in the offense, and how I would be coached and developed and challenged week in and week out.”

The newest Panther pledge is a big play waiting to happen, averaging a staggering 22-plus yards per reception as a sophomore in 2024. This spring he has hit the track and flashed the wheels, notching a 10.69-second mark in just his second 100 meter dash run of the season.

Thomas is in the early stages of the recruiting process, with a handful of offers to his name. The consistency of the Pitt staff led to the desire to come off the board before that first visit to the ACC program.

“We keep in contact almost every day,” he said. “We talk bout how I can fit in their system, but not only that just life and becoming a young man. They really love me for me and that stands out to me.

“It feels like a place I can call home.”

As for that initial impression of campus, Thomas plans on getting up to Pittsburgh as soon as possible in the coming weeks.

“I’m going up there In the Spring,” he said.

Once the slot talent is in town for good, he doesn’t expect to wait very long to make an impact.

“Honestly they’re getting a dog!” Thomas said. “Someone who loves football and someone who will stretch the field and be an explosive playmaker for the offense.

“I’m coming up there to start as a freshman and help them win an ACC championship.”