The Florida Gators welcomed several top prospects for the second consecutive weekend, including five-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas, a Florida State commit facing tough decisions in the coming months. Speaking with Gator Country on Sunday, Thomas shared insights into his recruitment status with the Gators.
“They’re pushing hard to get me on board because, with me being an early enrollee, I’ll be starting school in about six months. They want to finalize who they have coming in,” Thomas explained. “Florida’s pro-style offense is truly pro-style, preparing you for the NFL without surprises. The collective effort and the people in Florida stood out the most to me.”
Although Thomas has been committed to Florida State since December, both LSU and Florida are making significant efforts to recruit the 6-4, 315-pound lineman.
“It’s a close race between LSU and Florida,” Thomas noted. “Florida feels like home because I grew up here. The familiarity with the palm trees and buildings is comforting, but it’s the people that keep me interested.”
One of the highlights of Thomas’s weekend visit was reconnecting with people he has built strong relationships with throughout the recruitment process. The community and culture in Gainesville are major draws for him.
“The highlight was seeing the life plan after football, the expectations, and the people,” Thomas said. “Playing with people I’ve known for a long time feels unique. The culture in Gainesville is something I’ve always believed in, and it’s impressive.”
The Florida staff has emphasized the importance of recruiting a top player like Thomas, who carries himself as someone ready to make an immediate impact on the offensive line.
“Coach Decoster, Coach Sale, and Coach Napier are all about business,” Thomas said. “They want players who will perform on the field and have the best interest of the team at heart. I bring good energy and a non-jealous attitude. If someone works harder than me, I step up. That’s the bond I’ve built with both the offense and defense here. I already know a lot of guys, and I’ll get to know more over time.”
Securing Thomas, a highly coveted lineman from Tallahassee, will be challenging, but Coach Billy Napier and the Florida Gators are in a strong position.
“Ultimately, it comes down to a gut feeling,” Thomas concluded. “It’s all about the relationships.”
