Florida State 5-star OL Solomon Thomas sounds off about Seminoles firing Alex Atkins
Amidst an awful 1-9 campaign on the field this year, Florida State‘s top-20 recruiting class is very much in peril.
The Seminoles have already seen multiple players decommit in recent weeks, and on Sunday head coach Mike Norvell fired offensive coordinator/line coach Alex Atkins, wide receivers coach Ron Dugans and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller.
Among FSU’s biggest losses already from the class are four-star receivers Malik Clark (now committed to South Carolina), CJ Wiley (Georgia) and Daylan McCutcheon (Texas).
They have, however, been able to hold onto key offensive line commits with Atkins still in the fold. With that no longer the case, five-star commit Solomon Thomas took to social media on Monday to voice his displeasure.
“Ngl [not going to lie] y’all messed up firing my coach,” Thomas posted in response to the news.
He followed that up with another post soon after.
The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder is one of Florida State’s longest-tenured commitments dating back December 2023 and has been an anchor in a recruiting class that was once ranked among the top-10 nationally.
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But other schools have worked to chip away at his pledge, including LSU, Miami and Florida. Thomas took official visits with the Gators and Tigers this summer.
Solomon Thomas Recruiting Profile
Thomas is the No. 25 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks as the nation’s No. 2 interior offensive lineman and No. 4 recruit in the Sunshine State.
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:
“Big-bodied, physical offensive lineman with versatility and one of the higher floors in what is a loaded cycle at the position. Measured in at around 6-foot-3.5, 315 pounds prior to his senior season. Touts elite length with 35.75-inch arms. Has a barrel-chested build with solid weight distribution. Lines up at tackle for his high school but likely has the highest upside as a guard long-term. Very stout at the point of attack. Plays with a strong base and has pop in his hands on contact. Detonates defensive linemen and linebackers with his punch. Plays with a physical edge and works to finish blocks. Has good technical ability in pass protection. Held up well in a 1-on-1 matchup against 2024 five-star defensive lineman LJ McCray as a junior. A solid, not overwhelming athlete. Can continue to improve his lateral agility and reactive quickness. Has the skill level to potentially get on the field early in his college career given his strength and battle tested resume.”