Will Cory Thomas Flip From The Vols?

Sep 7, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones on the sideline against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 52-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Volunteers were hoping to go into National Signing Day with very little drama.

For the most part they’ve achieved that, but not completely.

Defensive end Cory Thomas, who committed to Tennessee in November, is not looking like such a sure thing anymore.

In fact, the three-star Alabama native will now announce his college choice on NSD, between Tennessee and Clemson.

The last time the Vols were in this predicament with an already committed player — DaVonte Lambert — it ended with Lambert flipping to Auburn.

Thomas took a recent visit to Clemson, which had him instantly contemplating a commitment to the Tigers.

Fortunately for the Vols, Thomas took his official visit to Knoxville this past weekend, keeping Tennessee in the mix.

Thomas’ decision looks like a toss up at this point, but there is a clear leader — and it’s not good news for the Vols.

One player does not make or break a class. That’s something we’ve said many, many times before.

But there’s no doubt that UT wants to hold on to Thomas. Tennessee’s defensive line woes were readily apparent to anyone who took in a Vols game last season.

Butch Jones has added some quality defensive linemen in this recruiting class, but Thomas is a kid who could be a diamond in the rough.

Unfortunately for Vol fans, I believe Thomas will be wearing a different shade of orange on NSD. All the signs point to Thomas flipping from his commitment and I believe that’s what will happen.