Rivals250 OL Thurman reflects on choice

Rivals250 offensive lineman Trip Thurman wrapped up his decision on Friday morning. The 6-foot-6, 302-pounder gave his pledge while on a visit to Florida.

"I committed this morning around 11:30 a.m.," he said. "I was sitting in Coach Meyer's office with Coach Addazio and my family, my mom, dad and brother.

"Coach Meyer was ecstatic when I told him I was committing. He jumped up and shook my hand. He gave my brother a high five."

A trip for camp last month proved to be critical in pulling the four-star prospect.

"It all started when I came over for camp in June," he said. "I got to work with Coach Addazio and he's a great guy that knows his stuff. He's a great coach and I fell in love with his coaching. He's going to get the best in me.

"My mom was the one that wasn't really comfortable at first with how far it was and how I didn't really know anybody. This trip was her first time down and she got to know the coaches better. Her being a Tennessee grad, she was uneasy with that part too, but in the end this was my decision and I'm really excited about Florida."

Thurman went further about what he likes from the Gators.

"They have a great educational program, their degree can take you a long ways," he stated. "I just feel like Florida was the best place to develop me and my potential as a player, especially with Coach Addazio."

Florida recruited the lineman prospect as a tackle.

"The coaches told me if I do what they know I can do, they see me developing as a player," he said. "Like any Florida lineman I expect to redshirt my first year."

Although he contemplated graduating early, Thurman will graduate on time now.

He had a final thought on his choice.

"I'd just like to thank my parents, friend and Coach Brown, my high school coach," he said. "Without him this would have never happened. I thank him especially for helping me through the recruiting process."