Nine-hundred twenty-five miles is a long way from home.
But for Florida 2012 oral commit Colin Thompson of Warminster, Pa., Gainesville is where he feels he will fit in best.
“It’s weird because I never thought I’d go there,” Thompson said. “I had extreme passion for the playbook, for coach [Will] Muschamp and other coaches. I wanted to go to the University of Florida, but something was holding me back.”
So the 6-foot-5, 255-pound powerhouse tight end sat down with his parents and his coach after two unofficial visits.
Then, on May 5, came the decision. In a recruiting realm in which every decision date is a hyped, planned-out production, Thompson laughs at the suggestion Cinco de Mayo was significant.
“That was a weird coincidence,” he said. “I didn’t even know, to be honest.”
As a recruit in Will Muschamp’s first full class, Thompson is confident in his decision.
“There’s only been positive repercussions,” he said of his commitment. “I’m really happy I picked Florida.”
One beneficial result? Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis doing away with the spread run during Urban Meyer’s tenure and implementing a traditional pro-style offense. Thompson has been told he will be used in some two tight end sets in addition to other options suitable for his threat as a downfield option, blocking prowess and ability to catch in backfield traffic.
“I want to try to go to a school where I can fit in,” he said. “Obviously with Charlie Weis going in there, I have a great chance to be successful.”
Between two busy game weekends for Archbishop Wood High — one of which was broadcast on ESPN2 — Thompson hasn’t had much time to watch the Gators; however, he said what he has seen in highlights and heard from other sources has been impressive.
“Their offense is doing a great job,” he said. “I look at the field now and I say, ‘Wow, that’s going to be me next year,’ or ‘I hope that’s going to be me next year.’ It’s a little nerve-wracking, but I’m up for the opportunity.”
Oral commitments are non-binding until a national letter of intent is signed on or after National Signing Day on Feb. 1.
