Juco TE heading to The Swamp

When it came time to make a decision, Summit (Miss.) Southwest Mississippi J.C. tight end Markell Thompson decided he needed to go out on his own instead of returning home to play his college football.

“I can’t believe I had to make the call, but I did,” Thompson, who made his commitment earlier today, said. “I called coach (Barry) Alvarez and told him that I was going to go ahead and commit to Florida. That was the toughest thing that I’ve ever had to do. I then called coach Zook and gave him the good news.

“I’m a Florida Gator.”

Thompson, who is 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds and ranked as a three-star prospect, said in the end he wanted a shot at playing in the SEC and a chance to become his own man.

“I needed to go out there and do my own thing,” Thompson said.

“It was the toughest decision that I’ve ever had to make. Wisconsin has recruited me ever since high school, but I know that I would like a shot at playing both defense and offense.

"Florida told me that I could come in and play tight end and take over Ben Troupe’s spot. That was enough to sell me.”