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Posted by the FSU Rivals writer today:
The recruitment of Lowndes (Ga.) defensive end/linebacker Thomas Davis seemed to be pretty cut and dried once the Miami Hurricanes extended a scholarship offer in late May. A month later, now that Florida State has entered the picture, things don't look quite so clear.
The Vikings' sack specialist says he's up to 15 offers now, with most of them coming this offseason. FSU jumped into the fray less than two weeks ago.
"It was really exciting because it's right down the road and my guy (FSU offensive lineman Jalen) Goss is there," Davis said. "I've known him since I was in the ninth grade, so we are pretty close. So this was an offer that was big and exciting. We talked after I got the offer. He was also excited. He said it's a great feeling over there in Tallahassee."
Davis, who could play outside linebacker or defensive end at the next level, said he has been speaking frequently with FSU defensive ends coach John Papuchis, and he likes what he has heard from the Seminoles so far.
"I'm certainly going to take a visit there," Davis said. "They want me on the defensive line and they have a position called, "The Fox," and its basically an outside linebacker/defensive lineman combined. I love being on the defensive line and the pass rush, so this position would be a very good fit.
"I talk the most with Coach J.P. I'm actually going to do a Zoom call with him and Coach Norvell (head coach Mike Norvell) either today or very soon. He's a great guy, and he's been on me for awhile. I really talk with the entire staff, though, at FSU. Coach J.P. really loves my film and how I come off the ball fast and explosive."
While Florida State is less than two hours away from Valdosta, Ga., where Lowndes High is located, the three-star prospect said he wasn't exactly expecting the 'Noles to make a push.
"I was surprised on the offer," he said. "It shook things up a little for me. I know when I do visit FSU, I want to see the coaching staff as a whole and get a feeling for what they are like -- (if there are) good vibes around them, how much they push their players. Goss loves it there, but I also need to see it for myself. ...
"I want to be around guys that are hard workers. I would say next with FSU is how much they really want me. FSU is recruiting me really hard right now. Every single day. I got 10-plus things of mail from them, so they are pushing."
Now that things have taken a bit of a turn, Davis said he has to decide whether he's going to stick with that Aug. 24 commitment date or push it back into the fall.
"As of right now, I don't know," he said. "The plan was originally to do it on my birthday."
Even if he does make his commitment in August, Davis said he still intends to take official visits. He also said that the potential for early playing time will be a key factor in his decision.
Along with the schools who have offered, Davis said he has received interest from Georgia and LSU.
Davis, who says he weighs 228 pounds and measures in at 6-2 1/2, is coming off of a junior season in which he led his team with 17 sacks. This season, however, he will be taking on a slightly different role under new head coach Jamey DuBose, who comes in after a successful run at Central-Phenix City (Ala.).
"I went from defensive line to inside linebacker," Davis said. "Right now, everyone is getting comfortable with the new staff, which has been really great. So mostly the things we are working on is conditioning and getting everyone in the right spots and places. But we are working on a little bit of everything."
The recruitment of Lowndes (Ga.) defensive end/linebacker Thomas Davis seemed to be pretty cut and dried once the Miami Hurricanes extended a scholarship offer in late May. A month later, now that Florida State has entered the picture, things don't look quite so clear.
The Vikings' sack specialist says he's up to 15 offers now, with most of them coming this offseason. FSU jumped into the fray less than two weeks ago.
"It was really exciting because it's right down the road and my guy (FSU offensive lineman Jalen) Goss is there," Davis said. "I've known him since I was in the ninth grade, so we are pretty close. So this was an offer that was big and exciting. We talked after I got the offer. He was also excited. He said it's a great feeling over there in Tallahassee."
Davis, who could play outside linebacker or defensive end at the next level, said he has been speaking frequently with FSU defensive ends coach John Papuchis, and he likes what he has heard from the Seminoles so far.
"I'm certainly going to take a visit there," Davis said. "They want me on the defensive line and they have a position called, "The Fox," and its basically an outside linebacker/defensive lineman combined. I love being on the defensive line and the pass rush, so this position would be a very good fit.
"I talk the most with Coach J.P. I'm actually going to do a Zoom call with him and Coach Norvell (head coach Mike Norvell) either today or very soon. He's a great guy, and he's been on me for awhile. I really talk with the entire staff, though, at FSU. Coach J.P. really loves my film and how I come off the ball fast and explosive."
While Florida State is less than two hours away from Valdosta, Ga., where Lowndes High is located, the three-star prospect said he wasn't exactly expecting the 'Noles to make a push.
"I was surprised on the offer," he said. "It shook things up a little for me. I know when I do visit FSU, I want to see the coaching staff as a whole and get a feeling for what they are like -- (if there are) good vibes around them, how much they push their players. Goss loves it there, but I also need to see it for myself. ...
"I want to be around guys that are hard workers. I would say next with FSU is how much they really want me. FSU is recruiting me really hard right now. Every single day. I got 10-plus things of mail from them, so they are pushing."
Now that things have taken a bit of a turn, Davis said he has to decide whether he's going to stick with that Aug. 24 commitment date or push it back into the fall.
"As of right now, I don't know," he said. "The plan was originally to do it on my birthday."
Even if he does make his commitment in August, Davis said he still intends to take official visits. He also said that the potential for early playing time will be a key factor in his decision.
Along with the schools who have offered, Davis said he has received interest from Georgia and LSU.
Davis, who says he weighs 228 pounds and measures in at 6-2 1/2, is coming off of a junior season in which he led his team with 17 sacks. This season, however, he will be taking on a slightly different role under new head coach Jamey DuBose, who comes in after a successful run at Central-Phenix City (Ala.).
"I went from defensive line to inside linebacker," Davis said. "Right now, everyone is getting comfortable with the new staff, which has been really great. So mostly the things we are working on is conditioning and getting everyone in the right spots and places. But we are working on a little bit of everything."
