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UF erases doubt in Thomas

The Gators' rout of FSU clinches it as the Zephyrhills star makes an oral commitment.

By IZZY GOULD
Published November 30, 2005

ZEPHYRHILLS - Bryan Thomas left Gainesville with a pounding heart.

The Zephyrhills star had spent four days, and $300, for a chance to dazzle coaches with speed, strength and aptitude beneath an intense June sun.

Thomas met with almost every coach at the Gators' summer football camp and managed some one-on-one time with Urban Meyer.

Florida was impressed with Thomas, but not nearly as much as he was with the Gators.

Thomas returned to Pasco County and looked at his wall covered with scholarship offers. He couldn't take his eyes off Florida.

The Gators were Thomas' No. 1 choice.

Thomas returned to Florida five months later to offer his oral commitment in person. He did so Saturday night after Florida dismantled Florida State 34-7.

Thomas also considered Tennessee and Ohio State and still plans to take some official visits.

Oral commitments are nonbinding and not recognized by the NCAA. Thomas must sign a national letter of intent, which he is eligible to do Feb. 1.

"I commited to Florida (Saturday) night at the game," Thomas said in a phone interview Sunday. "I just came to a decision. The other places are great, but I just feel the University of Florida kicked them all."

The Gators' drubbing of the Seminoles only sweetened deal.

Thomas watched from the south end zone stands, then walked into Florida's locker room shortly after to help celebrate.

Meyer walked up to Thomas to ask about his college intentions.

Thomas said, "Let's do it for the next four years."

When Thomas arrives on campus for his freshman season, he expects to compete for immediate playing time. Florida plans to use him as a safety and kick returner.

His mother, Stephanie, was elated to learn of her son's decision to stay instate.

"We basically told Bryan it was his decision because he was going to have to be at the school for four years," Stephanie said. "He was going to be comfortable with the players and the coach. He's spending time with them, not me. We were going to support him no matter where he decided to go."

Thomas validated the national attention through his four varsity seasons at Zephyrhills.

The senior two-way starter played various positions during his career. This season, he returned punts for 99- and 89-yard touchdowns in consecutive games. He also had a 99-yard interception return, one of three he returned for scores.

Now he hopes to polish those skills at Florida.

"I can't wait to get filled in on everything," Thomas said. "I already feel like I'm part of the team."

Contact Izzy Gould at 813 909-4612 or sportsjournalist@gmail.com

[Last modified November 30, 2005, 11:34:03]