'I felt this one in my gut' ... 4-star DT Thomas explains FSU commitment

It was all kind of a blur, but also one of the most exciting moments of Bishop Thomas' life.

The four-star defensive tackle didn't come to Tallahassee this weekend with plans of committing to Florida State during his official visit. But with his interest building all weekend, once he got inside of Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday night with the Seminoles' coaches and other recruits, he knew the time was right.

"I just felt it," Thomas explained Sunday morning before heading back home. "As soon as a I felt it in my heart, I did it immediately."

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A short video of Thomas' commitment, which he didn't even know was being recorded at the time, was shared thousands of times on social media.

In it, FSU head coach Mike Norvell is seen -- and heard -- screaming in celebration.

"I've been giving him hints," Thomas said. "So it was kinda cool to see that reaction."

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For the four-star defensive lineman, it was the culmination of a tremendous weekend. When asked what was different about this visit compared to officials at other schools, Thomas didn't offer specifics but said it was obvious from the beginning.

"I felt this one in my gut. Walking in, I've been catching chills," Thomas said. "I had to do it. I couldn't just leave here without doing it (committing). ... I had no idea I was doing anything. I was like, 'I'm just gonna go wherever God tells me. And God told me to come here.'"

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was hanging out with his close friend and former high school teammate Byron Turner, who was part of the Seminoles' 2021 signing class and enrolled at FSU this summer.

"I got to spend time with my best friend Byron Turner," Thomas said. "We were just chilling like old times again. That really was a cool part for me."

Although Turner was definitely encouraging the defensive tackle to join him with the Seminoles, there was never any real pressure.

Thomas said he actually had been telling Turner for months that he "owed him a year" since Thomas transferred out of New Orleans' St. Augustine High after his sophomore season.

Now, he might get to play with him for three or four years.

"I might as well give him his whole college career while we're at it," Thomas said.

Another big highlight was finally meeting FSU defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins in person.

"I was like, 'Dang, this guy's got a lot of wisdom inside of him,'" Thomas said. "He's like a grandfather of the game."

The four-star prospect declined to say what FSU's coaches have been telling him about how we will be used on the Seminoles' defense, but he acknowledged that he would like to see some action on offense as well.

Next up for Thomas is his senior season, and he hopes to return to FSU for a home game this fall.

"Got to see how it is," he said.

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