Florida right fit for top-tier TE commit Thompson

Nine-hundred twenty-five miles is a long way from home.

But for University of 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.

TE Colin Thompson is verbally committed to UF.

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.”

Note: Oral commitments are non-binding until a national letter of intent is signed on or after National Signing Day on Feb. 1

This article originally appeared in the Independent Florida Alligator on Sept. 14.