Three-star defensive end Keir Thomas has committed to play football at the University of South Carolina, the Miami Herald reported on Christmas.

Thomas, 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, played for Miami Central High School. South Carolina landed him ahead of Arkansas, Auburn and others.

Coach Will Muschamp now holds 17 commitments in his first-ever class with the Gamecocks. South Carolina has landed five commitments and three signed letters of intent since the school hired Muschamp.

Thomas immediately becomes one of the highest-rated commitments of the team’s ’16 class. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he’s the highest prep defensive player that Muschamp currently is bringing on board.