FSU will not release top prospect Matthew Thomas.
Matthew Thomas, a Booker T. Washington product, was ranked as one of the best linebackers in the class of 2013. He was heavily recruited by every major program. Last week he announced and signed his LOI with the eagerly awaiting Florida State Seminoles. Now the youngster is having second thoughts, but FSU will not release the five-star prospect. FSU AD Randy Spetman stated that he has no intentions of releasing Thomas.
This is where FSU is wrong. The NCAA should enact rules that allow players to leave a program even after an LOI is signed. Thomas should be allowed to change his mind. FSU should not be permitted to put a stranglehold on Thomas. If Thomas is forced to stay, how productive would he be anyway.
Thomas does have options. He can appeal to the NCAA as long as he has a compelling reason for the release. Head coach Jimbo Fisher and AD Spetman both believe if the school allows for the release without a compelling reason then players will request releases all the time. That may be a true statement, but coaches and ADs aren’t always truthful to players so it just levels the playing field.
Do the right thing FSU, release the youngster!
