College football recruiting Chavez Thompson lasted several years, longer than most students in the Class of 2025.
On Wednesday evening, the penultimate step was taken in the form of a verbal commitment to State of Florida was announced.
“I’ve known Coach (Herb) Hand and Coach Gus (Malzahn) since my sophomore year and the relationship with them has been like no other,” Thompson told Rivals. “They were previously recruiting me at their previous schools and when they came to FSU, they brought me with them – which ultimately led to the decision.
“Even though they may have changed locations, their intentions remained the same. It shows me that they are truly there for me. It also feels more like a family with Coach Malzahn and Coach Hand at FSU. I have a very good relationship with these coaches and we feel like family there!”
Previously engaged in Oregon for almost a calendar year, starting in May 2023, the senior admitted Malzahn and Hand to the local UCF have always been the main threat. A lot has changed in 2024, as Thompson has committed to Florida International after the season, but familiar faces pushed him to Tallahassee and brought him to campus last weekend for an official visit.
CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Top 100
TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player rankings | Team rankings | Transfer search | Transfer tracking
Thompson, who capped his career with a state championship at Cocoa (Fla.) High School in December, becomes the third high school offensive line recruit to choose the Seminoles in the class of 2025.
The in-state prospect worked on both sides of the ball as a senior, but will work on the interior offense at the next level.
“They see a hungry, motivated young kid who is going to work extremely hard to get to where they want me to be,” he said. “I bring hard work, dedication, nastiness, aggression and effort and I will bring that every day.”
The three-star, top-10 projection powerhouse in the country doubled his expectations once he arrived in Tallahassee for good.
“I work hard, I love to compete and I come there to work, compete and dominate!” Thompson said.
