St. Augustine Prep quarterback Dustin Thomas, who is on the verge of becoming South Jersey's all-time leader in touchdown passes, has orally committed to attend Villanova on a football scholarship.

Thomas said last night that Villanova's offensive system was almost identical to what the quarterback has been running at St. Augustine.

"That was the big thing for me," Thomas said. "It's pretty much the same offense, so I should be able to fit in right away."

The 6-1, 180-pound Thomas said he was recruited by Villanova as a quarterback. He said school officials offered him a scholarship Friday afternoon, a few hours before St. Augustine scored a 31-16 victory over rival St. Joseph in a Cape-Atlantic League game.

Thomas has thrown for 13 touchdowns this season with just one interception for St. Augustine (6-0), the No. 4 team in The Inquirer Top 10.

A four-year starter, Thomas has 64 career touchdown passes, tied with former Holy Cross star Tom Reilly for first place on South Jersey's all-time list. Thomas also has passed for 5,124 yards in his career.

Thomas, who lives in Ventnor, said he also was involved with Akron, Eastern Michigan, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Virginia.

"It's good to get it settled and now I just concentrate on the rest of the season," Thomas said.