Special Conversations Highlight Four-Star DB Gregory 'Zae' Thomas's Visit To FSU Football

Sitting down with Mike Norvell and Akeem Dent were two of the highlights of Gregory Xavier Thomas's latest trip to Tallahassee.

Although the Seminoles began spring practice earlier this month, the coaches remain hard at work on the recruiting trail. Florida State recently hosted Legacy Recruiting Weekend, providing recruits with a chance to see up close and personal what they can build for themselves in Tallahassee.

Among those recruits was four-star safety Gregory Xavier Thomas out of American Heritage. The 6’2, 190 lb prospect in the class of 2025 recapped his visit with NoleGameday while providing an update on his recruitment.

“It was a great visit, I got to see a little bit different than what I’m used to seeing. I haven’t been here for a practice before, it’s just been games and stuff so it was good to see that practice environment, see how the coaches are, see how they practice," Thomas said.

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With former players in town for pro day and to be back on campus, the prospects had the chance to talk to some of the best to don the garnet and gold. Thomas said he was able to talk to multiple former ‘Noles, but one conversation in particular stuck out to him. 

“I was talking to Akeem Dent,  he sat at our table when we were eating, so he was just telling me how he got into the rotation, what he went through, the tough times here, and how it made him better, just as a person,” Thomas said. “He told me if you want to have fun, you can have fun, but you’ve got to lock in. It was a good conversation, we talked about a lot.”

Thomas emphasized that although he is choosing a school for football, he knows that he is picking his next home wherever he commits, and that is not only in terms of the place, but the people that build that place. He noted that he had more personal conversations than football conversations with coaches this weekend, building and further developing relationships.

“Me and the coaches, we focus more on less football stuff, just really building a connection on the visit. We had a lot of talks today, just about life, so it was good,” Thomas said. “I’m coming here to play football, but I’m gonna be living here, just wherever I go it’s whatever coach I’m the most comfortable with. Just off the field, that’s what’s the most important to me.”

With just nine months until the early signing period, players are beginning to narrow down their top choices, and so are coaches. Following the visit, Thomas gave an update as to where Florida State stands on his list, and where he stands on Coach Norvell’s list.

“Once again, just letting me know that I’m high on his list and that they love me here,” Thomas said. “You know, I always say they treat me like family but he says we feel like family to him, so that’s a good thing to hear from Coach Norvell.”

Thomas noted that he intends to take an official visit to Florida State, with trips also expected to Penn State, Colorado, and Tennessee in the spring and early summer. He added that he will make his commitment in the late summer or early fall.

The Florida native is regarded as the No. 178 overall prospect, the No. 17 S, and the No. 20 recruit in the Sunshine State in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the spring.

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