Fast-rising Peach State WR nets ‘huge offer’ from Gators, planning fall trip to Florida
It has certainly been an eventful summer for Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School standout, Thomas Blackshear, as a handful of notable programs have came forward with a scholarship offer.
One of the latest schools to join the fray is the University of Florida, which pulled the trigger on Thursday.
In addition to the Gators, the 2025 wide receiver has landed offers from Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, Michigan State and Colorado among others.
“I don’t know a lot about Florida, but I can see they produce great receivers like Ricky Pearsall,” Blackshear told Gators Online. “The coaches are already showing love and showing that Florida is a great program.”
Aug. 1 marked the first day college coaches could initiate conversation with prospects in the 2025 class. That can be a phone call, texting, or direct messaging through social media.
As expected, Blackshear’s phone starting lighting up as soon as the clock struck midnight, with the Gators having been one of the first programs to make contact.
Mike Peterson, the outside linebackers coach, extended the offer on behalf of Florida.
“When Aug. 1 hit, Florida was the second college to text me,” said Blackshear. “I was talking to the coach and he was telling me how they are going to make me a great wide receiver and help me get where I want to go.”
Gators fans will see Blackshear before the end of 2023
If all goes as planned, the Peach State native will be inside the Swamp at some point this fall.
“Yeah, I’m not sure which game I will be attending, but I will most definitely be to one of them,” Blackshear said of the Gators.
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The Dawgs will be difficult to edge out
According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, the in-state Bulldogs are trending with early odds of 56.4 percent. Blackshear was just in Athens last weekend for UGA’s last camp of the summer and also attended the recruiting cookout. He will be at the season opener against Tennessee-Martin as well.
And although a list of top contenders has not been released, UGA is expected to have strong competition for Blackshear’s commitment, with the Gators being one of those suitors.
“Florida is a huge offer for me. I don’t know where it sits on the list right now though,” said Blackshear.
According to On3’s rankings, the 6-foot-0.5, 195-pound Blackshear is the No. 41 wide receiver in his class. He is a top-40 rising junior in talent-loaded Georgia as well.
During the 2022 season, Blackshear reeled in 41 passes for 641 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also a threat in the return game, having recorded a touchdown in the process.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
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