The Gophers added more running back depth with the commitment of Elon transfer TJ Thomas Jr., on Saturday night.
Thomas showed versatility in two years at the FCS level and the 5-foot-8, 190-pounder from Thomasville, Ga., will have two years remaining for Minnesota.
Across nine games in 2025, Thomas had 91 carries for 384 yards and six touchdowns, adding 15 receptions for 124 yards, 16 kickoff returns for 441 yards and two punt returns for 36 yards.
In eight games in 2024, the true freshman totaled 89 carries for 588 yards and five TDs, 13 catches for 108 yards and one TD, along with 12 kickoff returns for 245 yards.
Pro Football Focus gave Thomas good grades a season ago: 67.8 overall and 71.5 rushing. He played 315 offensive snaps in 2025.
Thomas is the 18th player to commit to Minnesota since the portal opened on Jan. 2 and the second running back after to-be redshirt freshman Jaron Thomas of Purdue committed on the first day.
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