The top-rated offensive tackle in the state of Georgia thinks playing in the band is cool.

Pancakes and percussion. Andrew Thomas is adept at both and can appreciate Dan Dierdorf and Herbie Hancock.

The 6-foot-5, 305-pounder is rated as the nation’s No. 15 offensive tackle and No. 80 player overall in the Class of 2017. If DawgNation wanted to place a rating on the most sought-after prospects for this cycle, the Pace Academy standout would easily crack the Top 5 for UGA’s most wanted recruits.

Thomas visited UGA this month and the trip altered his perception of the program.

“It changed it a lot actually,” Thomas said. “I didn’t talk to the old staff as much as I talk to the new staff just them being here for this short amount of time so it seems like they are really interested in me.”

He placed Clemson and UGA right at the top of his list. He also mentioned Alabama among his favored schools. Does that mean UGA will likely get one of his official visits?

“I think so,” Thomas said. “I think it will be one.”

He has started to acquaint himself with UGA line coach Sam Pittman pretty well in a short amount of time. 

“Coach Pittman is a very outgoing guy,” Thomas said. “He seems like he has a good relationship with his players. He said when he left Arkansas — like when the players found out — they came to his house crying and wanting him to stay. So it seems like he has a real good connection with his players and he has like 17 guys in the league right now so it seems like he develops players very well.”

Thomas said he will not enroll early. What would it mean to stay in-state and play college football at UGA?

“I guess everyone wants to be a hometown hero or so it seems but I have always been a “Dog fan,” Thomas said. “Especially with meeting the new staff, I really think it will be one of the schools I will really be looking at for my future.”

He visited Alabama this weekend and plans to visit Florida, Florida State and Miami over his spring break. He’s also planned a trip to Notre Dame for March 19.

Check out the video interview above for his thoughts on the following:

  • What are his other talents aside from football?
  • What did the recent UGA visit mean to him?
  • What was the specific message from coach Kirby Smart?
  • How did UGA make him feel like he was a priority for the Class of 2017?
  • How does UGA match up for his college major?
  • What are his thoughts on Clemson?

Unless otherwise indicated, player rankings and ratings are from the 247Sports Composite.

Jeff Sentell covers UGA football and UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.