Florida's chances improving on Thompson

Published: Monday, July 29, 2013 at 5:56 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, July 29, 2013 at 5:56 p.m.

Trent Thompson entered Ben Hill Griffin Stadium hours before Friday Night Lights began with the Gators firmly outside his list of top three schools.

While Georgia remained his leader when drills began at Florida Field, an afternoon spent around the UF coaching staff and junior Trenton Brown helped the Gators see a dramatic rise on the 2015 defensive tackle's board.

?They are going to be No. 2 right now,? said Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 292-pound Albany, Ga., native. ?They are just standing out. ... It feels just like home up here for some reason. I'm liking it a lot.?

After visiting Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and Tennessee this summer, Thompson chose not to participate in drills during Florida's recruiting showcase and instead was shadowed by Brown on the sidelines.

A 6-foot-8, 363-pound offensive lineman, Brown graduated in 2011 from Albany (Ga.) Westover High, where Thompson is currently playing. Brown, who was once a Georgia commitment, said he could see a similar recruitment process for Thompson.

?Same way that happened to me,? Brown said. ?I had Georgia and Florida, No. 1 and No. 2, and see how I ended up.?

During his visit to Gainesville, Thompson toured the Gators' weight room and locker room before meeting with members of the UF coaching staff. Among those making the strongest impression was first-year Florida defensive line coach Brad Lawing.

A former assistant coach at South Carolina, Lawing played a part in the development of Gamecocks junior defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, whose now-famous tackle and fumble recovery against Michigan in the 2013 Outback Bowl still resonates with Thompson.

?When he told me that he got Clowney, I was like, ?Wow,'? Thompson said. ?He was telling me some tips about that big hit against (Michigan). He told me that after Clowney tackles him, how he picks up the ball. He was telling me some pointers to do, and I was like, ?I'll probably need that.'?

Heading into his junior season at Westover, Thompson said he is waiting until next summer to commit to a school. Thompson is also planning to visit Florida again for a game this fall, though he is still unsure of the date.

Source: http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20130729/articles/130729591

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