Drake Thomas netted one of his latest offers from Clemson, and the 2019 linebacker from Wake Forest (N.C.) Heritage has heard a lot from the defending national champs since coaches could begin reaching out to junior prospects on Sept. 1.

“(Brent) Venables contacts me every day, and coach (Robbie) Caldwell keeps in touch as well,” Thomas told The Clemson Insider.

Tough and physical with a high motor, Thomas (6-1, 225) fits the mold of linebacker that Venables has been known to target on the recruiting trail.

So it’s no surprise that Clemson’s defensive coordinator is expressing strong interest.

“They’re very interested and love the way I play and everything,” Thomas said of what he’s heard from Venables.

The interest is mutual, with Clemson one of the schools that Thomas plans to visit this season. He’ll also be at Virginia Tech on Saturday when the Hokies battle the Tigers.

“I’ll be at Duke Friday, Virginia Tech Saturday, N.C. State next Thursday, then I’m going to the FSU-Clemson game, Notre Dame vs. N.C. State, a Michigan game and maybe an Alabama game,” he said.

Thomas said he “can’t wait” to check out Clemson when the Tigers host the Seminoles on Nov. 11.

What is he hoping to get out of the experience?

“When I visit I just want to get a feel for how things are done and really get a chance to meet the coaches for the first time,” he said.

Thomas (6-1, 225) formally received an offer from Clemson in late August, adding the Tigers to a list that includes Virginia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Duke, North Carolina, N.C. State, Wake Forest and West Virginia among others.

More offers appear sure to come, so Thomas is keeping an open mind early in his recruitment.

“I think it’s all pretty equal right now,” he said when asked if he has any favorites.

Thomas isn’t in any hurry to render his college decision, but knows what will be important to him when he makes it in the future.

“I want somewhere where I fit in well into their system and feel at home, but that also has good academics,” he said.

Thomas racked up 126 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions as a sophomore last season. He also saw some time at running back and recorded 336 yards and a touchdown on 57 carries.

ESPN ranks him as the No. 4 inside linebacker and No. 283 overall prospect in the class of 2019.

His older brother, Thayer, is a freshman wide receiver at N.C. State.