First, he was going to UCLA. Then, he reconsidered and appeared headed to either Minnesota or Michigan.
Finally, Orchard Lake St. Mary's linebacker Earnest Thomas decided on Wednesday to sign to play football at Illinois.
Thomas was one of the area's best players last Fall as a linebacker for the Eaglets. He was a tackling and playmaking machine to help lead St. Mary's to the Division 3 title game, and is a nice catch for the Fighting Illini.
In college, Thomas projects as one of those hybrid players who'll play either linebacker, safety or both.