RIP, Florida state favorite legend passed away.
Gregory Xavier Thomas, a defensive back ranked No. 247, announced his commitment to Florida State on Sunday night. He is the first Seminole Tribe of Florida player to commit to the university on a scholarship and the ninth top prospect in the ‘Noles’ nine-man 2025 class.
“Zae” Thomas’ forceful and passionate public performance, while garnet and gold shimmered in the South Floridian atmosphere, aptly represented a momentous occasion: Thomas became the first Seminole Tribe of Florida member to be awarded a scholarship and pledge to Florida State.
“History will be made. Being a member of the Florida Seminole Tribe and committing to Florida State feels great, according to Thomas.
Gregory Xavier Thomas committed to Florida State on Sunday night in front of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, giving the university its ninth pledge of the 2025 recruiting class. All nine of the ‘Nole pledges are now regarded as blue-chip talents, and FSU continues to have the top class-average for individual commitment rankings in the nation with the addition of Thomas.
Many of the nation’s best schools recruited Thomas, but he finally decided to attend Florida State instead of Clemson because the Tigers were his other finalist.
Thomas explained his decision to attend Florida State University by saying, “The situation with Florida State is hard to beat.” “Coach Pat (Surtain), the Seminole ancestry, the Tribe’s connections, and other things like that. They were on me early, and it’s in Florida as well. They were probably my third offer, and ever since, things have always been the same. With them, it’s never been erratic.”
Although Thomas is a significant addition to FSU’s class and has been regarded as one of the team’s top defensive back targets for the entirety of the recruiting cycle, Thomas’ dedication goes much beyond that.
Greg Thomas, Zae’s father, articulated his sentiments about his son creating history in this environment in great detail:
It would be extremely significant not only for our tribe, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, but also for all Native American children nationwide who aspire to attend college. Worldwide, there is a prevalent misconception about Native Americans, and it is not entirely true. We do have the chance and capacity to enroll in college, especially at a university like Florida State. Thus, his pioneering would be significant. Many children, and not only those in the area, are familiar with him.
However, he is not alone; many Native American children will carry on his legacy. He is able to represent the Seminole Tribe of Florida by going there because of the connection between Florida State and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which dates back to when the Seminole Tribe of Florida granted permission for Florida State to use their mascot and name. Furthermore, for any young people in our tribe who could likewise have such goals and objectives. They see that a member of their tribe who grew up with them succeeded, and they know they can too.”
The older Thomas wished to ensure that Justin Motlow, the sole former FSU athlete to be recognized as a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, receives the proper recognition as well. Motlow attended FSU in the class of 2014, and in 2017, he was the recipient of a touchdown pass against Delaware State. Like Zae Thomas at Florida State, Greg Thomas introduced eight-year-old Zae to Motlow while they watched FSU practice following a Jimbo Fisher youth camp in Tallahassee.
“I made sure to point out to my son who Justin Motlow was, and that he was part of the tribe that my son was a part of,” said Greg Thomas.
