JD PicKell discusses the potential fit for transfer QB Casey Thompson at Florida

Quarterback Casey Thompson is now one of the few, top quarterback prospects in the transfer portal that is yet to commit, sign, or enroll to a college program this offseason. Thompson is looking for a new home to spend his final college season of eligibility after spending time at Texas and Nebraska during his career.

On3’s JD PicKell believes that Thompson will choose Florida Atlantic as his destination, reuniting with head coach Tom Herman. But he also discussed another school in the sunshine state that some are marking down as a potential landing spot for Thompson on a recent episode of ‘The Hard Count’.

“Now the other thing that’s probably gonna get talked about with Casey Thompson’s recruitment right now is where else he could go. Transfer portal’s kind of a crazy thing right now, the tables are continuing to turn for different players, but I want to talk about the other destinations that are probably going to get thrown around for Casey Thompson. And Florida is one school that I think is fair to throw around right now because they have a quarterback situation that’s unsettled,” PicKell said.

The Gators have brought in a quarterback from the transfer portal in the last two seasons, as a quarterback battle has already begun in Gainesville this spring, which PicKell believes doesn’t Florida the most appealing destination for Thompson at this stage of his career.

“Both Jack Miller and Graham Mertz are fighting for that job, but again, Casey Thompson’s got one year. You think he wants to walk into Gainesville and take part in a three horse race for the starting quarterback spot?” PicKell asked. “I don’t think so. Because if you lose it, you don’t win the starting quarterback job, you’re out of eligibility. One year, thanks for playing, keep it moving, I’m so sorry. That’s how it would work for Casey Thompson should he not win the job.”

Not landing the starting job in your final collegiate season after already appearing in 29 career games would be a tough pill to swallow. But even if Thompson doesn’t fear competition, the Gators still may not be the right fit according to PicKell basked on their potential future moves at the position and lack of offensive firepower.

“Also sounds like Florida has some other things up their sleeve in relation to stacking that quarterback depth for the future. So for Casey Thompson, I don’t know if there’s mutual interest there, but that’s the one reason why I don’t think it makes sense. Also are there a ton of weapons to throw to? If getting to the NFL and putting together a phenomenal resume that is your tape, is there a lot of guys to throw to? Ricky Pearsall‘s a dog, I think Andy Jean‘s gonna to be a dog, but is there a fit there for one year to maximize? I don’t think so,” PicKell said.

Thompson recently took a visit to another SEC school Auburn in late April, but only time will tell where one of the portal’s most coveted current prospects will land this offseason.