Jordan Thomas and Bergen Catholic kicked off their season against IMG in Ocean City, N.J., last month.
“It was an amazing atmosphere to be part of,” said the 2026 New Jersey cornerback in an interview with Irish Sports Daily.
IMG came away with a 27-14 win.
“The game was close throughout. We held them to seven points at halftime, and it was tied 7-7 going into the third quarter. We just needed to make a few adjustments on defense and as a team, which ultimately cost us the game.”
One thing that stood out all night was Thomas’ intensity.
“I love playing aggressive,” Thomas said. “I’m very competitive when it comes to being on the field. I believe it’s myself to be the best on the field no matter what.”
The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder can certainly come across as mild-mannered off the field, but he says that intensity is always simmering underneath.
“It’s honestly 247,” he said of his mindset. “It’s 247, but I know when to turn it on, turn it off, but it is 247. It’s just my mentality.”
Thomas has received numerous prestigious scholarship offers from schools like Notre Dame, Penn State, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oregon, and USC, among many others.
After Bergen Catholic’s opener against IMG, Thomas traveled to College Station to watch Texas A&M and Notre Dame kick off their seasons.
“It was a great game,” said Thomas. “It was a great defensive game and Notre Dame just dominated toward the end.”
Thomas was impressed with the Irish’s 23-13 win.
“I loved how they came out with intensity and they weren’t afraid of the big crowd that was there and the Aggies and their fans just being loud the whole game,” he said. “I feel like that didn’t really affect them. Just seeing the defensive scheme that Coach Al Golden has his team running I think is great and I think that I can fit into that very well. I’m very familiar with the coverages that they run.”
Thomas kept in close contact with the Notre Dame staff before and after the game, and the Irish delivered on their promises regarding what he would experience at Kyle Field.
The mere fact that Notre Dame thought of him during such a significant game meant a lot to him.
“That tells me that I’m a top priority for them,” he said. “Them calling me right before the game and after the game as well. I’m saying stuff like, I’m going to see you, I’m going to give you a little head nod, but we can’t talk to you. I think that that’s cool and that shows how our relationship is and I think that they regard me as a top priority.”
Thomas camped at Notre Dame a couple years ago, but is really hoping to get back soon.
“That would be great,” he said. “We’re planning out the dates. It is a possibility.
“I would like to experience a visit because the last time I was there it was for a camp, so this time I would like to meet the coaches in person, talk to them and just experience the Notre Dame experience.”
Thomas, who is eyeing Notre Dame’s game against Florida State in November, doesn’t have any other trips locked in either.
“Not right now. I’m just focused on the season right now, but my parents and my advisor are playing out the dates for me.”
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