Five-star 2028 edge rusher Antonio Thomas Jr. is beginning the next phase of his recruitment and has emerged as a top target for the Florida Gators in the 2028 class.
The talented five-star showcased his skill set last season for Carrollwood Day, finishing the year with 54 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He also displayed his versatility by playing both sides of the ball, receiving reps at running back, carrying the ball 100 times for 927 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 240-pound edge rusher has already scheduled his return to the Swamp, planning to be in Gainesville for the Gators' matchup against Ole Miss on Sept. 26.
"I would definitely say they're a priority school," Thomas told
Swamp247. "If I had to make a top three right now, they're in there," adding that Florida and Georgia are at the top of the list, playing a big role in his recruitment.
Thomas credits defensive line coach Gerald Chatman for being the main contact from Florida.
"He was the first person that reached out to me about Florida," Thomas said.
Thomas sees Florida as a priority because he sees that they make him a priority.
"It's just, like, dreams come true," Thomas said. "Went from nothing to now I'm something."
The blue-chip prospect has been noticing what the Gators are building and expects positive things from the program in Jon Sumrall's first season at the helm.
"I think they're going to be good," Thomas said. "They're building something nice. I feel like they're trying to get me on the team. I feel like I'll be one of the pieces they miss right now. But once they get me and they get some other boys, it's going to be the same old Florida, Tim Tebow."
Florida has been at the forefront of his recruitment — however, it won't be easy. Thomas also has visits scheduled for Florida State on Oct. 31 and Georgia for their matchup with Missouri on Nov. 14.
Kentucky is also among the teams in the race for Thomas; he plans to visit them this fall as well.
Antonio Thomas Jr's Recruiting Summary
Thomas is ranked No. 14 overall and No. 3 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the Rivals industry ranking has him at Nos. 21 and 4, respectively. On ESPN, Hines is also ranked No. 17 in the country and is the No. 5 defensive end.
Rivals' recruiting prediction machine puts Florida in a massive lead, with the Gators holding a 40.8% chance to secure his commitment. Miami (13.4%), Auburn (11.5%), Penn State (1.6%), and Notre Dame (1.6%) fill out his projected top five teams.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida emerging as favorite for 2028 four-star EDGE Antonio Thomas Jr
