Cory Thomas

One of the top defensive ends in the Southeast this year is McCalla (Ala.) McAdory jumbo pass-rusher Cory Thomas. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect is intriguing, in that his frame allows for multiple possible outcomes in terms of the position he could play at the next level. 3-4 end, 4-3 tackle ... perhaps a move to offensive tackle?

 Florida defensive line coach Brad Lawing is known, in particular, for his fondness of length on the edge (think Clowney, Clifton Geathers, Devin Taylor, etc.) Thomas will be one of the top targets at end for the Gators from here on out.

On Tuesday, Thomas announced his top three schools. Sort of.

Top 3
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#HailState
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#VolNation
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

#Gators #gatorbait
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

However, the big defensive lineman went on to add this ...

The other 2 will be comin soon
— *~#34 From Mcadory~* (@bigcory34) August 27, 2013

Long thought to be a lean to Mississippi State, at one point Thomas intended to make an announcement at the beginning of August that would have resulted in his commitment to the Bulldogs. However, Thomas ultimately decided to hold off on making a pledge. The longer this recruitment goes on, the more it favors the other finalists. However, expect Mississippi State to have some staying power. They did, after all, sign linebacker Dezmond Harris out of McAdory High School in February.

Auburn recently jumped in with an offer, and I have to think the Tigers can slide their way into the top group as well.

What's interesting about this list, is the fact that Thomas has visited Starkville several times since the beginning of the year. He's been to the Plains and Knoxville as well. Thomas has yet to visit the Sunshine State, and yet here the Gators sit, still apparently a major player.

Getting Thomas on campus will be a priority for all four schools (and others) over the course of the fall. As always, it's smart to "follow the visits." Mississippi State still clearly looks to be in a prime position here. But we'll see if that position continues to hold strong on the road to National Signing Day.



Thomas recorded over 70 tackles and eight sacks as a junior for McAdory.

Where the Gators stand: Defensive End

This week, I've embarked on a position-by-position analysis as to where Florida currently stands in regards to the Class of 2011, and what needs still have to be met across the board. After wrapping up the other side of the ball with a look at the offensive line, this is the first look at where Florida stands on the recruiting trail in regards to the defense. Without further ado, my take on the defensive ends...

FOX (Weakside)
44 - Duke Lemmens (6-3, 250, Sr.) OR
7 - Ronald Powell (6-4, 248, Fr.)
34 - Lerentee McCray (6-2, 245, R-So.)
85 - Lynden Trail (6-7, 217, Fr.)

Strongside
94 - Justin Trattou (6-4, 255, Sr.)
96 - William Green (6-3, 252, Jr.)
91 - Earl Okine (6-7, 282, R-So.)
93 - Kedric Johnson (6-4, 230, R-Fr.)

Committed to Florida for 2011:
Jeoffrey Pagan (6-3, 265, Asheville, N.C.)

Top of the board:
Curt Maggitt (6-3, 215, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla./Dwyer)
Ray Drew (6-5, 250, Thomasville, Ga./Thomas County Central)

Other prospects to watch:
Anthony Chickillo (6-3, 230, Tampa, Fla./Alonso)
Xzavier Dickson (6-3, 245, Griffin, Ga./Griffin)
Giovani Francois (6-1, 240, Bradenton, Fla./Manatee)
Giorgio Newberry (6-6, 255, Ft. Pierce, Fla./Central)
Jarquez Samuel (6-5, 240, Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta)
Stephon Tuitt (6-5, 260, Monroe, Ga./Monroe Area)
Ishaq Williams (6-6, 225, Brooklyn, N.Y./Lincoln)
Jordan Williams (6-4, 245, Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville)
Ricardo Williams (6-5, 210, Homestead, Fla./Homestead)

Analysis: This is a fairly deep (although unproven) group for the Gators, and the recent addition of Cal transfer Chris Martin (who could play linebacker or defensive end at Florida) only makes it that much more impressive for a group that will soon be headlined by Consensus Prep All-American Ronald Powell.

Looking to the future, the addition of Jeoffrey Pagan gives Florida a versatile defender who will likely be able to line up both inside and outside depending on the situation. His skillset is very similar to former Florida defensive lineman Ray McDonald (now with the San Francisco 49ers) and current Florida defensive lineman Jaye Howard.

There really isn't a whole lot of need here outside of Pagan. Curt Maggitt, Ray Drew and Anthony Chickillo are the three names to keep a close eye on down the stretch. Maggitt is a premier pass-rusher, and has the athletic ability to potentially get a look at outside linebacker as well. Drew and Chickillo will continue to be recruited by the Gators, but the numbers for Florida, and their interest in other schools (Miami for Chickillo, Auburn and Georgia for Drew) dictate they will most likely end up elsewhere.

There are still enough prospects on the board that if Florida experiences a crisis of depth due to injury and/or transfer following the season, they will have some options on the board. One of those possibilities is Jordan Williams, a hometown kid who has nearly 20 offers, but has not seen a ton of interest from the Gators to date. He has the size and skill-set to be another inside/outside threat for Florida along the defensive front as well.

In all likelihood, Florida goes with Pagan and Maggitt (who has been quoted recently as saying Florida leads) and calls it a day at the defensive end position adding to an already talented depth pool at the position.