Florida: We Knew it all Along

You rarely see freshmen offensive linemen crack the two-deep, but this week Columbia has TWO frosh listed as backups on the front five.

And they're both from Florida, which has become the capital of high school football recruits, (okay, it's drawing even with Texas)!



Ryan Thomas at Buchholz


First up is center Ryan Thomas from Buchholz HS in Gainesville.

Here's what I wrote about Ryan the day we learned he was coming to Columbia on February 2nd of this year:

"Thomas was a 1st Team All-Area selection in the Gainesville Sun and was recruited by several schools including South Carolina and Georgia Tech.

He seems like he could be the real, real deal."



Chris Proctor last spring


Next is backup LT Chris Proctor from Pine Crest HS in Boca Raton.

Here's what I wrote about Chris when we learned of his decision to join Columbia back on May 4th:

"Proctor is a big reason why Pinecrest’s Traveon Henry is one of the best running backs in the state of Florida.

At 6”6 and 258 pounds, Proctor has done his best work as a Left Tackle, a position that has to concern Lion fans in the near future with 2-time 1st Team All Ivy LT Jeff Adams entering his senior season this fall."

The disappointing play by the offensive line as a whole and some injuries are probably why we're seeing these younger guys get into the mix this week.

But if they have what it takes to help now, let's let them go!