FLORENCE, S.C. - College coaches are flocking to Florence, South Carolina over a unique talent in the 2018 class. That of course is defensive end Xavier Thomas. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound prospect has racked up more than a dozen offers so far, but it's the quality of those offers that is most staggering. Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, and Ohio State are just some of the names that have already made Thomas a priority recruit.

The days during the Spring Evaluation Period have been far from boring for Wilson head coach Thomas Balkcom who gets to entertain the dozens of coaches flocking to his school that want to learn more about his star player.

"There is a lot of interest in Xavier Thomas," said Balkcom. "He is one of the top rated players in 2018 and the word is out. I believe he deserves all of the attention that he's getting, he's a tremendous young man. He is a great student as well as a tremendous athlete. Whoever signs Xavier Thomas will be getting a prize."

Thomas' sophomore film has impressed coaches around the country and Balkcom, who just took the job this off-season, has already seen what all of the hype is about.

"His size, speed, strength (combination) is incredible," he continued. "For a young man to be that size and has that much speed and is as strong as he is with using leverage and stuff like that, he is very difficult to contain. He has made me a better coach over night, just by taking the job."

RELATED: Xavier Thomas giving Ohio State a major look

As a sophomore, Thomas even played running back at 255-pounds. While some might think he was just a short yardage guy, there are big plays and long runs at the position througout his tape. Balkcom says he has never seen anything like it.

"That just speaks to his athleticism, he has the speed to play running back," Balkcom continued. "That's just another scary aspect to him. That allows me to do some different things on offense. I have not personally seen a kid that size be able to do the things he does with the football. He is an incredible young man."

On Ohio State's end, the Buckeyes have worked hard to forge an early relationship with Thomas and his family. Thomas already visited this spring to check out practice and get a close look at the academics. The relationship with Larry Johnson and his reputation as a developer of talent have helped Ohio State get in the mix early on.

"Coach Larry Johnson is running point for Ohio State on recruiting Xavier," Balkcom explained. "His reputation speaks for itself. He has developed a lot of players, particularly guys like Xavier along the defensive line. There was an instant connection between coach Johnson and Xavier. Myself, I just knew coach Johnson's history, growing up and watching Penn State. I'm certain that he's going to do all that he can to get a commitment from Xavier if that's what Xavier wants to do."

"Coach Johnson is the consummate professional," he continued. "Coach Johnson is the only college recruiter that has come here in a suit. He's very business-like. He's extremely professional and I really like him."

Thomas is an early member of the Rivals100 for the 2018 class.

Don't let this remarkable offer pass you by. Be sure to click here and try BuckeyeGrove.com for free if you are a new subscriber.