LSU has been one of the most successful teams on the recruiting trail in recent months, and director of player personnel Austin Thomas is credited as being a huge part of that success.

That’s why Tigers fans should be bummed to hear that Thomas will be leaving the Tigers to join the staff at USC, according to a report from Football Scoop.

It is a pretty significant blow to the LSU staff, as Thomas was recently honored as the 2015 Player Personnel Director of the Year.

Evidence of that is easily spotted in the quotes from the assistant coaches he worked closely with during his time at LSU.

LSU defensive line coach Ed Orgeron had strong praise:

“Austin is a great evaluator. He spends countless hours devouring film and is highly organized when gathering information on a player,” LSU defensive line coach Ed Orgeron said. “From talent identification and evaluation, to connecting with the players and managing all of their visits, Austin runs all of it. He’s the main reason for our recruiting success.”

As did former LSU recruiting coordinator and new UTSA head coach Frank Wilson:

“Austin is a future NFL general manager, there’s not a doubt in my mind,” LSU recruiting coordinator and assistant head coach Frank Wilson said. “I’ve never worked with someone as talented as he is in this role.”

This is a return to Southern Cal for Thomas, as he spent 2010-12 with the Trojans in a support staff role before joining LSU in 2013.