Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes four-star inside linebacker Charles Thomas helped anchor his team’s defense again as a sophomore this season, patrolling all over the field and totaling 132 tackles a year after logging 102 in 2015.

Clemson offered Thomas in June, and he has reciprocated the Tigers’ interest. He last visited Clemson in October for the N.C. State game.

The Clemson Insider caught up with Thomas, a top-100 player in the 2019 class, about his season and recruitment.

“It felt good to have a productive year,” Thomas said. “I worked really hard during the offseason, so it feels awesome to actually see the hard work pay off.”

The 6-foot-1, 213-pounder plays with outstanding intensity and effort, and he is a physical presence and heavy hitter. Thomas had three sacks and an interception this season as well while leading his team to an 8-4 record and the second round of the class 6A state playoffs.

Thomas feels he got better in several facets of his game.

“I improved in lateral movement, speed, quickness and strength,” Thomas said. “I hope to improve in all areas next year. I am just looking to become an overall better football player and leader.”

Thomas also owns offers from Maryland, Michigan, Tennessee and West Virginia among others.

Though Thomas was able to visit Clemson, Tennessee and North Carolina’s game against Georgia in the Georgia Dome this season, his recruitment was of secondary importance to him as he focused on his team and academics.

“I’ve just been focusing on my grades and helping my team succeed,” Thomas said.

Thomas’ trip to Clemson in October was his third time on campus, as he also visited in August and attended Clemson’s annual Orange and White game in the spring.

He plans to get back to Clemson in the offseason.

“Yes,” he said. “I can’t wait to see the new facilities.”

Clemson’s new $55 football complex is expected to be completed in January. What does Thomas think of the facility from what he has seen and heard about it?

“It’s great already,” Thomas said of Clemson’s facilities, “but a new one is cool also.”

Thomas hopes to continue building a good relationship with Clemson’s coaching staff. He likes Clemson’s family atmosphere, and a school that feels like home is something Thomas values.

“I liked it a lot,” Thomas said of Clemson after his most recent visit. “I enjoyed the fans and the family feel that I received from the staff.”

“I loved the energy that the team had in the locker room,” he added then. “I can tell that Clemson is truly a family.”