FSU official visits make good impressions on DBs Shamar Arnoux, Gregory Thomas

Last weekend was certainly busy for Florida State defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain, as the Seminoles hosted a pair of highly coveted DB recruits in four-star Gregory Thomas and rising three-star Shamar Arnoux.

Florida State offered Arnoux a scholarship at Mike Norvell’s Elite Camp earlier this month, and the Seminoles are now a major contender as he prepares to make his college commitment. The ‘Noles also are considered by many to be the leader for Thomas.

Both defensive backs are expected to announce decisions this week after taking official visits to FSU this past weekend.

Thomas sees a more personal side of Florida State

American Heritage star Gregory “Zae” Thomas has been said to be trending to Florida State for quite some time, and the Seminoles certainly didn’t hurt their chances after another exciting weekend during his official visit.

“It was great. I got a real weekend to really just be with the coaches and continue to build our relationship,” Thomas said. “I saw more of Tallahassee than I did on my previous visits, so it was good to just see all that.

“Really, more outside of football stuff. You know, every time I come here, I see all the facilities and the football stuff all the time. It was just the players, get the vibe, be with the coaches, and see if I like the area.”

While Thomas always has praise for Norvell and the Florida State staff, the four-star DB said there were other things that opened his eyes on this trip.

“Just hanging out with the players. A couple of them, I already know from Heritage, and some that are not from Heritage but are from the [South Florida] area,” Thomas said. “Just spending time with them and getting a players’ perspective on how it is at Florida State.”

Not surprisingly, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound cornerback also enjoyed spending time with Surtain, who is a former head coach at American Heritage.

“Going back to the family kind of vibe, Coach Surtain, he’s like an uncle to me,” Thomas said. “He’s known me since I was in third grade. Hanging out with him is kind of like being around family.”

The four-star DB has stated he’s down to Florida State and Clemson, and he plans to make his commitment on Sunday. Thomas added that he’s going to choose the school where his heart is.

FSU hoping strong surge with Arnoux pays off

The Florida State Seminoles jumped into the race for Shamar Arnoux a little later than others, but they appear to be making up for lost time.

Arnoux attended FSU’s June 9 Elite Camp, where he earned an offer, and then he quickly set up this past weekend’s official visit.

“Really just wanted to see how the program operates,” the three-star defensive back said. “How the coaches treat their players, how they love their players and see the atmosphere in the community.”

As with most Florida State recruits, Norvell has taken a very active role in Arnoux’s recruitment. And the Georgia product appeared to like Norvell’s no-nonsense approach.

“He didn’t say too much about how they would use me, he just said that they would want me,” Arnoux said. “He didn’t even say I would be a good fit for the program because that’s what every coach says. He was just, like opening up, being real.

“It meant a lot because I don’t see that often coming from all these coaches. They just say the same thing — all of them say that their program is the best fit for me.”

The three-star DB is going to make his college decision on Wednesday. The finalists, according to Arnoux, are Georgia, Florida State, Southern Cal, Auburn and Kentucky.

According to Arnoux, he spent a lot of time during his visit with freshman defensive back Charles Lester.

“He was just basically saying, like, if you come here, you’re going to be the best man you can be in this life after football, and a good football player,” Arnoux said.

The talented DB also had high praise for his connection with Surtain and Norvell.

“Coach Norvell is always energetic,” Arnoux said. “He just brings a spark to the flame.”

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