Cortez Thomas
#37

Cortez Thomas

S Ole Miss Ole Miss Freshman

Bio

Height 6'1"
Weight 185 lbs
Hometown Lexington, MS
High School Holmes County
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recruiting

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class of 2025
#261 National
0.9115 Rating

Scouting Report

A
91 / 100 Ceiling 91 • Floor 83
year 1 contributor NFL Rd 5

Cortez Thomas is an intriguing in-state safety prospect for Mississippi with solid 4-star credentials despite limited national exposure. His 0.9115 composite rating and #261 national ranking suggest legitimate Power 5 talent that may be undervalued due to playing in a smaller Mississippi market.

Physical Profile

Limited measurables available, but his 4-star rating suggests he possesses the requisite size and athleticism for the safety position at the SEC level. Playing at Holmes County in rural Mississippi, he likely hasn't had extensive combine exposure, which may explain the lack of specific physical data despite his strong composite rating.

Play Style

Projects as a rangy safety with good instincts and ball skills based on his rating profile. Likely excels in coverage situations and shows natural feel for breaking on passes. Playing in Mississippi's smaller school environment, he probably serves as a primary playmaker and leader in the secondary.

Strengths

  • Strong composite rating (0.9115) indicates legitimate Power 5 athleticism and instincts despite limited national exposure
  • In-state familiarity with Ole Miss system and culture provides natural fit and early comfort level
  • Likely possesses excellent ball skills and range given his 4-star safety rating from major recruiting services

Areas to Improve

  • Needs exposure to higher level of competition to prepare for SEC offensive speed and complexity
  • Likely requires significant strength and conditioning development to handle SEC physicality

College Projection

Should compete for playing time by sophomore year with a redshirt season likely beneficial for physical development. Projects as a potential starter by Year 3 if development progresses as expected given his rating profile.

Best Fit

SEC programs that emphasize coverage skills and allow safeties to play with instincts. His familiarity with Mississippi and Ole Miss culture makes the Rebels an ideal landing spot, particularly in a system that values versatile defensive backs who can cover ground.

Player Comparison

Vonn Bell Ohio State • Carolina Panthers 87% match

Bell shares nearly identical physical measurements at 6'1" 185 lbs and emerged as a versatile safety with excellent ball skills and range in coverage. Like this prospect, Bell was a highly-rated 4-star safety who demonstrated strong instincts and playmaking ability, transitioning seamlessly from high school standout to immediate college contributor. Both possess the rangy athleticism and natural feel for breaking on passes that translates well to Power 5 competition and beyond.

Career History

2026
Ole Miss #37 S - Freshman
2025
Ole Miss #37 S - Freshman