One of the most established athletes Camden has ever produced has signed their letter of intent to play at the college level. Camden Fairview shortstop/centerfielder Martavius Thomas signed with Grambling State University to play for the Tigers baseball team Thursday afternoon.
It was a decision that surprised and thrilled many of his friends and teammates since Thomas committed to the University of Arkansas over two years ago. He chose Grambling State, a histocially Black university, over Arkansas and the University of Memphis.
“It feels good,” Thomas said. “I’m blessed for this process that I’ve been in, but it definitely feels good just to go ahead and make a decision -- to get it on paper.”
Thomas committed to playing collegiate baseball for the University of Arkansas on January 21, 2021, a few weeks before his sophomore season. Thomas remained committed to the Razorbacks, but kept his options open for other opportunities just in case. As his success on the field continued, schools like Grambling State offered Thomas the chance to be a part of something much bigger than being a presence on the field.
“I love Arkansas,” Thomas said. “They treated me like I was family since the time that I committed. They’ve been stuck with me since then but, ultimately, I had to go with my heart... You know, the heart always leads you to where you need to be at, and Grambling State was where my heart was at.”
Thomas has been a star on the Cardinals’ varsity team for three seasons and a leader in Sticks Baseball during the summer months, most recently for the 17U Brewster. His superior athleticism, speed, decision-making, consistency at the plate and well-balanced playing on both sides of the field make him a catch for any college program. Thomas possesses great burst speed, quick playmaking abilities at the plate, patience and durability.
Prep Baseball Report ranks Thomas as the third best baseball player in the state as well as the top outfielder. He was also named a PRB National All-American for the third time in his career this offseason.
Thomas said he thinks he can immediately bring something to the plate when he joins the Tigers.
"The hit tool and definitely the speed, it always goes out. The hit tool, the defense, bringing that flare to the game and my flash. That’s pretty much what I can do," he said.
Thomas now becomes the highest-rated baseball prospect ever to sign with Grambling for baseball. Until recently, not many high valued prospects looked to take their collegiate careers into HBCUs like Grambling State, but NIL -- name, image and likeness deals that allow college athletes to receive brand deals and other corporate sponsorship -- and social media have been highly significant for the coverage HBCU collegiate programs.
HBCU leagues have seen a skyrocket of endorsement deals and support after individuals like Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was able to pull the number one football recruit in the 2022 class in cornerback Travis Hunter to sign with Jackson State University. Now Thomas looks to continue that trend.
The historic nature of Thomas's decision to sign with Grambling wasn't lost on the young athlete.
"The coaches, staff and the culture changed and to be able to shock the world -- first, I’ll be the highest recruit that an HBCU has ever had... I feel like in the next coming up years, the coaching staff, coach (Davin) Pierre and coach (Phil) Adams, I feel like we’ll be the HBCU going to Omaha.”
Photo By: Michael Hanich Camden Fairview shortstop/outfielder Martavius Thomas pose with his family and his baseball and football coaches after his signing.