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Football’s Cree Thomas to Sign with the University of Notre Dame

Brophy senior defensive back Cree Thomas has committed to playing and attending the University of Notre Dame. 

“It has been my dream to play Division I football on the biggest stage,” said Thomas. “I am ecstatic I got to commit to Notre Dame and for the opportunity. I am ready to run out of that tunnel for the first time and play for the Irish.”

Cree Thomas has been a three-year varsity starter, and he was named one of the two varsity captains. He was named to the 2024 Fiesta Sports Foundation Preseason All-State Football Team while earning All-Arizona Preseason honors for the second consecutive season. He is the No. 2 ranked prospect in the state in the Class of 2025 Top 150 by the Arizona Republic (August 2024).

Thomas will play for Head Coach Marcus Freeman, who has the Irish poised for an appearance in the first NCAA 12-team playoffs this month. Thomas follows in the footsteps of Brophy alum Ben Morrison ‘22, who is expected to be a first-round draft pick this April.

Thomas is excited about the academic opportunity at Notre Dame and joining a nationally-ranked program.

“I am a student first,” said Thomas. “My parents have instilled that in me. Academics were a big reason I chose to go to Notre Dame.”

Thomas finished the season with 40 total tackles, tied for sixth on the team, with 36 solo tackles, the fifth-best total. He tallied three interceptions in 2024 to tie with James Pike for the team lead, finishing his career with nine interceptions. Thomas had two interceptions against Boulder Creek in the first playoff game, tying the school single-game record. He was an All-Central Region first-team selection as a defensive back and punt returner. 

“Cree was a three-year starter, a three-time all-region player, a two-time all-state player, a team captain, an all-time interceptions leader at Brophy,” said Head Coach Jason Jewell. “All are great accomplishments. But Cree Thomas is much more to our campus than a football player. A leader and role model on campus, a member of the choir, an all-state member of our track team, a member of the black student union, and one of the most well-liked students on this campus. Cree's parents have so many things to be proud of. Without a doubt, we will miss Cree on this team, but I know everyone will be proud watching him on TV at Notre Dame.”

Thomas will participate in the Brophy Collegiate Signing Day Celebration on Dec. 4.

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