When Jeff Thomas committed to Illinois, Lovie Smith called him an “elite level football player.” Illinois knew the risk of Thomas, but they were banking on the tantalizing upside of the electric wide receiver.

Just a month after announcing he was transferring to Lovie Smith and the Illini, Thomas reneged on his commitment and returned to Miami, he announced in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

"Tuff (sic) decision," Thomas posted. "But I have decided to keep playing Football and earning my Degree at The University at Miami. Huge Thanks to the University of Illinois for giving me the opportunity to accomplish my future dreams. Please with all do (sic) respect. Respect my decision, thanks! #GoIllini #GoCanes"

Thomas had told The News-Gazette on Monday that he was on his way to Illinois.

Thomas left Miami after developing a rift between coach Mark Richt and the rest of the staff in November.

“We have high standards for excellence, for conduct and for the commitment to the team for all of the young men who wear our uniform, and we will not waiver from those standards,” Richt said after Thomas was dismissed. “We wish Jeff the very best as he moves forward in his journey.’’

After being trounced 35-3 by Wisconsin in the Pinstripe Bowl, Richt announced that he was retiring. Miami scooped up former Temple coach Manny Diaz less than 12 hours after Richt’s abrupt retirement. Despite being dismissed from their program, Diaz had no qualms in bringing back a talent like Thomas.

Thomas is one of the fastest players in the country, and Miami will get their best offensive playmaker back. Over two seasons at Miami, Thomas caught 52 receptions for 937 yards (18.0 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. He also is a dangerous return man, averaging 22.4 yards per punt on nine returns this season, including one touchdown return.

Not all is lost for Illinois. Illinois will still add Oklahoma transfer WR A.D. Miller and Georgia transfer TE Luke Ford. Running back Reggie Corbin announced on Saturday that he was passing up the NFL draft to return to Champaign for one final season, so Illinois offensive coordinator Rod Smith will have his No. 1 tailback back in town. Four-star Trinity Catholic QB Isaiah Williams will add another dangerous weapon to Smith's offense.

But Thomas’ sudden change of heart puts a ton of emphasis on Dominic Stampley. The speedy slot receiver had 19 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore. With Thomas no longer in the fold, Stampley is in line to start alongside Miller and Ricky Smalling.

Thomas was supposed to be that electric talent that helped put Illinois over the top in Year Four of the Lovie Smith era. A bowl game should still be the No. 1 expectation in 2019, but Thomas’ flip-flop certainly slims the margin of error.