Three Predictions: Solomon Thomas, Florida flips, No. 1 class
Rivals national recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr. has a trio of predictions on five-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas, more flips ahead for Florida and Georgia vaulting Ohio State for the top-ranked recruiting class.
1. FIVE-STAR OL SOLOMON THOMAS WILL NOT SIGN WITH FLORIDA STATE.
The social media post heard around the recruiting world is about a week old and it is still sitting with me. Solomon Thomas was never 100-percent rock-solid to Florida State despite his longstanding commitment, but Alex Atkins was one of the primary reasons he stuck on board so very long. While still there, Thomas is now fresh off of a visit to Florida where the Gators are looking to capitalize on head-turning momentum on the field and certainly on the recruiting trail. It could end up flipping multiple FSU commitments in the end, especially after Tramell Jones made the move on Sunday.
But there is another program very much at play here – LSU. Sources in the Sunshine State and well beyond agree that the Tigers have been involved as much as any program has over the last year, and now that FSU has opened the door with its staff movement, it could be Florida’s opponent from Saturday that sits in the best position to complete the flip. Thomas has been rumored to elect to stay closer to home for college, so South Carolina is not to be overlooked in this type of race, but as a source in Tallahassee told Rivals over the weekend Thomas’ departure from FSU seems “like a matter of time.” Rivals forecasts Thomas in the SEC at the next level.
2. FLORIDA’S RUN ON FLIPS IS FAR FROM OVER.
Outside of upcoming opponent Ole Miss, Florida may be the hottest program on the trail after the vote of confidence for Billy Napier last week and the upset over LSU on Saturday. It has led to multiple commitments as of this writing, including two recruits formerly committed to other programs. Not only will that continue, but it will continue in SEC and ACC country. Florida hosted recruits on board with Texas, Auburn and others last weekend and we could see multiple visitors end up in the Swamp for good.
In calling our shot, we’ve got eyes on the offensive line. Florida State commitment Daniel Pierre Louis had his Florida official visit set soon after he picked FSU and it could not have gone much better for his first true impression of Gainesville. Auburn commitment Tavaris Dice has frequented UF much more and yes, he was back on board over the weekend. DPL should come off the board first, but a flip of Dice is becoming just as expected as the week wears on.
3. GEORGIA WILL VAULT OHIO STATE FOR THE TOP-RANKED CLASS.
Ohio State could very well roll into the College Football Playoff this fall complete with a revenge win over Michigan to cap the regular season, but its run as the longtime No. 1 team in the recruiting rankings may not follow. The Buckeyes lost a blue-chip edge in Zahir Mathis on Monday and at least three more blue-chippers on the commitment list, cornerback Na’eem Offord, pass rusher London Merritt and linebacker Tarvos Alford are all seriously considering other programs down the home stretch. All but Merritt have more than one additional contender at this stage of the game, too.
Combining the risk of holding on to elite commitments with the run still ahead for Kirby Smart and Georgia has the Bulldogs looking much more likely to finish with the top-ranked class. The Bulldogs already sit at No. 2 and have been lining up top targets for trips and return trips to Athens. Elites like defensive tackle Justus Terry and Chase Linton look like near locks to UGA while the program is also shooting its shot for No. 1 athlete DJ Pickett and No. 2 all-purpose back Anthony Rogers while also looking to flip a QB recruit at the end of the cycle such as Julian Lewis or Jaron Sagapolutele, among others.
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