Solomon Thomas, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman, discusses his commitment to Florida State.
Jacksonville (Florida) Solomon Thomas, a Raines Top247 offensive lineman, made his pledge to Florida State on Friday, becoming the third early commit for head coach Mike Norvell and his staff.
According to 247Sports, Thomas is the nation’s No. 1 interior offensive lineman and the No. 21 prospect overall. He is the Sunshine State’s No. 2 prospect. He is a 247Sports Composite five-star recruit, according to the industry.
“The coaching staff,” Thomas remarked of the Seminoles’ success. “On and off the field connections.” I have a number of Raines and Jacksonville players that have committed to Florida State and FAMU. Those two schools are literally around the corner from one another. Every time I go there, it’s like a family reunion.
“I feel at ease in the presence of Coach Norvell and Coach Atkins.” It’s as if you’re my son when I go to Florida State. At the end of the day, it’s just ball, but you’ll respect me as my coach. When I go there, it’s that fatherly hierarchy. They are making guys. It’s not only football players. They are making guys. I have a close relationship with Coach Atkins, his wife, and his daughter, which means a lot to me. He said, “I never want to sign with someone I don’t trust with my family.” That kind of connection and closeness was unlike anything else, therefore I decided that was the place to be.”
Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Miami, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon, South Carolina, and Tennessee were among the schools Thomas considered. He had 40 scholarships to choose from, but a fall visit to Tallahassee and witnessing the Seminoles go undefeated drew him to FSU.
“They’re not just talk,” Thomas clarified. “They proved what everyone thought they couldn’t do.” Especially considering their roster. Looking at their offensive line, none of those guys coming out of high school were top-level players. That is significant.
“I just felt it was the right time.” “I believe I can be the face of something larger than myself.”
Gabe Brooks, a national analyst for 247Sports, breaks down Thomas as a potential.
“In the long run, a burly offensive lineman with physical specs and movement ability to play outside or inside.” Exhibits fluidity and regularity in movement patterns. In addition, he demonstrates sustained punch power in a variety of situations. Close-quarters suddenness is most likely a result of the great multi-sport context: As a sophomore, he won the Florida 2A state discus championship (168-6). Has the length to stay outside – perhaps at either tackle spot – and the relative mobility to play just about anywhere on the offensive line. “Projects as a high-major multi-year starter with the potential to develop into a sought-after NFL Draft prospect.”
