Billy Napier: Return of Chris Thomas Jr. is a ‘big deal’ for Florida’s DL depth
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida defensive tackle Chris Thomas Jr. rejoined the football program this week, making his training camp debut Thursday after being added back to the roster that morning.
The redshirt freshman was one of three players cut from the team June 22 along with safety Mordecai McDaniel and receiver Fenley Graham, who transferred to Florida A&M.
Thomas entered the transfer portal on June 27 but has since taken the necessary steps to earn another opportunity with the Gators. His return was discussed Friday by UF coach Billy Napier.
“Just some internal things there from a logistical standpoint relative to his role on the team and his eligibility and ability to participate with the team,” Napier said when asked how Thomas worked his way back. “Some of those things have been cleared up. Those things took time.
“Obviously, we’ll keep the details in house there, but we’re happy that Chris is back with us and certainly continue his development, his growth. Obviously, football, but the person and the student, I think it’s all really, really important. Chris is a young player and he’s got an opportunity in front of him here to continue to improve in all those areas.”
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Thomas, who made his collegiate debut in the Gasparilla Bowl, now has second chance to make an impact at a position that could use help. Florida’s defensive tackle depth has been an issue since the spring, with walk-on offensive linemen Kaleb Boateng and Nicolas Flynn both switching to DT this week.
“I think Chris being back is a big deal just for the depth of that group,” Napier said. “That’s one of the groups where we need to develop some depth. I think both lines of scrimmage, we’ve a good one-and-a-half group if that makes sense. But who are the next-best players? There’s a ton of competition there. There’s a lot of roles that are being determined there. So, this training camp will be critical to both sides of the ball relative to the line of scrimmage.
“Chris being back will help there (at defensive tackle). There are some other young players there, that really, when you think about it, no experience or very minimal experience. I think that’s what practice is for, and I think in the game of football in particular, the development takes place in the practice setting. That group has got a lot of work to do to get game-ready, certain players in particular.”
