The college football recruitment of Chavez Thompson has spanned multiple years, longer than most in the class of 2025.
On Wednesday evening, the penultimate step was taken as a verbal commitment to Florida State was announced.
“I been knowing 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 prior schools and when they got to FSU they brought me along — which ultimately lead to the decision.
“Although they may have changed locations, their intentions have remained the same. This shows me they are truly in it for me. It also feels more like family with coach Malzahn and coach Hand being at FSU. I have such a great relationship with those coaches and it feels like family there!”
Previously committed to Oregon for nearly a calendar year, beginning in May of 2023, the senior admitted Malzahn and Hand at local UCF were always the top threat. Plenty changed in 2024, as Thompson wound up committed to Florida International after the season, but the familiar faces pushed in Tallahassee and got him on campus last weekend for an official visit.
Thompson, who capped his career with a state championship at Cocoa (Fla.) High School in December, becomes the third offensive line recruit from the high school ranks to pick 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 offensive interior at the next level.
“They see a young, hungry, motivated kid who’s gonna work extremely hard to get to where they want me to be,” he said. “I bring hard work, dedication, nastiness, aggressiveness, and effort and I will bring that each and every day.”
The three-star and top-10 center projection in the country doubled down on his expectations once in Tallahassee for good.
“I’m hard-working, I love competition and I’m coming up there to work, compete and dominate! ” Thompson said.
