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Redshirt freshman cornerback Ian Thomas, who quit the team on Oct. 15, will be returning to the roster on a conditional basis.

(Frank H. Conlon/For The Star-Ledger)

Rutgers is about to add some quality depth to its beleaguered secondary -- from an unlikely source.

Redshirt freshman cornerback Ian Thomas, who unexpectedly quit the team to pursue a baseball career on Oct. 15, will be returning to the roster on a conditional basis, according to someone familiar with the situation.

The person requested anonymity because an official announcement is expected Friday.

The 6-1, 200-pound Thomas started the first three games last season before leaving. He later said his decision to do so was not to pursue a baseball career, furthering muddling his departure.

Thomas, from Baltimore, brings much-needed depth to a secondary that was largely responsible for allowing the most passing yards in school history.

His return means that the none of other seven players who have left the program since last summer were significant contributors. Of those seven, defensive lineman Josh Klecko, defensive end Nick Internicola, CB Jevon Tyree and running back Dontea Ayres never appeared in a game, while defensive tackle Al Page played in one in his career and offensive lineman Marquis Wright appeared in two.

Only wide receiver Miles Shuler had a role among the seven players to transfer out -- and he never started in his two years in the program, although he did play in 20 games.