FSU takes a big gamble and accepts commitment from JUCO linebacker

We wrote earlier that FSU had a productive JUCO linebacker on campus and learned that he committed to the Noles on the visit.

At the time, it seemed like a smart move to search the JUCO ranks for a guy hungry to prove himself at the next level. Chris Thomas has good measurables and was productive in his second year at the JUCO level.

The linebacker position is one of need, and FSU needs guys who can contribute immediately. That may not be the case with Thomas, who revealed that he suffered an ACL tear in November and underwent surgery three weeks ago.

I understand the willingness to take a guy with an injury like this if you have a good unit with depth, but that’s not the case with the FSU linebacker room. Thomas likely won’t be able to contribute until 2027 at the earliest, because the recovery timeline for most ACL tears is 6-12 months.

Even if Thomas recovered on the quickest timeline, that would put him getting on the field around June or July. It would take weeks and months to get into football shape, learn the defense, etc.

Mike Norvell might not even be here in 2027. I don't understand how they seem to have a good plan for the offensive line, but don't seem to have a clue at linebacker. They haven't gotten any transfer portal guys with good production to visit in the last week. FSU will return Blake Nichelson and Omar Graham Jr, but those are the only two linebackers with real experience.

Maybe they can find another guy in the portal over the next week.