Adonis Thomas adds instant depth to Florida State linebacker corps

Although only ranked a three-star, Adonis Thomas is coming to Florida State looking to be a difference maker. The JUCO transfer from Northwest Mississippi Community College originally hails from Lawrenceville (GA) Central Gwinnett.

Among JUCO players entering the Division I ranks, Thomas is the No. 25 overall transfer player and No. 2 among inside linebackers. Out of high school, Thomas, a then four-star recruit, was the No. 175 overall prospect in the nation and No. 11 inside linebacker.

Thomas started his collegiate career at Alabama in 2015, where he redshirted before transferring out of the program. Despite not playing, he was selected to the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

The 6’3, 230-pound athlete had four total offers, from Florida State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Penn State. He received his original FSU offer in December of 2013 out of high school. Thomas made his official visit on December 9th and committed a week later on December 16th. He enrolled earlier in January.

At NW Mississippi Community College, the new Seminole recorded 49 total tackles with 11.5 going for a loss, including six sacks. Additionally, Thomas forced one fumble and intercepted a pass.

A high-school coach who writes for us came up with the following evaluation of Thomas.

Adonis Thomas is a true Mike linebacker, the alpha of a defense.

He has the ability to dissect and attack plays. Thomas can get from sideline to sideline in a hurry and finish plays. He’s not the biggest thumper, but ball carriers go down when he makes contact, which is just as important. Thomas finds his way through the trash inside and gets to the back. He stays inside out on the ball and takes good angles. Thomas can blitz from the linebacker position and not get stuck on blockers when he comes through.

He reminds me some of Matthew Thomas, as he is a good athlete who can run with other good athletes. Thomas does not get fooled by false windows and reads pullers, so that he’s not fooled. The linebacker stays coiled in his stance as he reads plays, ready to uncoil when the ball carrier comes near. This allows Thomas to finish plays and avoid critical whiffs.