Former Florida State commit now SEC-bound returning to Tallahassee this weekend

Amari Thomas will be back in Tallahassee again this weekend.

The composite 4-star prospect was committed to FSU from late January until mid-July before he backed away from his pledge amid rumors of him leaning toward South Carolina. Thomas eventually committed to the Gamecocks early in August, but he hasn't stopped coming around to FSU. This week he'll be back for the Miami game.

Thomas was on campus for the Alabama game on August 30, and he's also been to South Carolina a couple of times, with reports of him being in Columbia last Saturday to watch the Gamecocks beat Kentucky. He's expected to be there again on October 18 when South Carolina hosts Oklahoma.

Will this recruitment last until Early Signing Day?

It's a two-team battle for Thomas, so forget who he's currently committed to because he's clearly looking at both programs. The fact that FSU hasn't really pursued another running back in the class, outside a half-hearted attempt to recruit Derrek Cooper, tells me that Mike Norvell and staff believe that Thomas will eventually come back into the fold. 

If it's early playing time Thomas is looking for, FSU should have some opportunities for him to see the field in 2026. Gavin Sawchk, Caz Holmes and Roydell Williams are all probably done after this season. That leaves Ousmane Kromah, Kam Davis (who might redshirt this season) and Samuel Singleton. It's a rotation that Thomas can likely find some carries in. 

When in doubt, follow the visits

If FSU thinks they are going to get a flip in late November or early December, the staff isn't going to push anything — that's not their style. I do believe, however, that the South Carolina coaches are eventually going to try to lock down Thomas and stop these visits to Tallahassee from happening.

Meanwhile, Thomas will get to experience another electric atmosphere this week as I expect Doak Campbell Stadium to be rocking as Miami comes into town for a night game.