While getting Five-Star cornerback DJ Pickett to officially sign with LSU was a massive win it wasn't the biggest win of National Signing Day. That win came when LSU officially pulled off the flip of Five-Star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas who flipped from Florida State to LSU. Whenever a massive flip is pulled off especially at the last moment everyone assumes it was due to a massive NIL offer at the last minute.
In the case of Solomon Thomas that isn't the reason he flipped from Florida State as it truly was about coaching. Thomas was committed to offensive line coach and offensive coordinator Alex Atkins and once Florida State fired him Thomas immediately revealed his disappointment with the decision.
It always seemed like LSU was close to pulling off the flip before it did but, Thomas was strong in his commitment to Alex Atkins. Once he was fired however, Brad Davis was able to bring the five star into the fold marking a massive win for LSU.
At the All-American Game, Solomon Thomas revealed what went into his decision to flip and how he ended up at LSU and we now know that the biggest hurdle for LSU to overcome in Atkins ended up being a massive help for the Tigers.
"I asked my Ex-Coach at Florida State about the offensive line coach at LSU (Brad Davis) he was like he's a great dude on and off the field he'll take care of you beyond the football aspect of it. "Solomon Thomas
Fired FSU coach Alex Atkins played a pivotal role in flipping 5⭐️ OG Solomon Thomas from FSU to LSU. pic.twitter.com/EIg4uKr4L6
— Rivals (@Rivals) December 29, 2024
It's awesome to see that Alex Atkins after losing his job still cared about Thomas and the players he recruited to help give them advice especially as he was looking for a new job. Now that Atkins has said plenty of kind things about LSU, the Tigers should bring him on as an analyst as he'd bring a ton of experience to the staff, would help in keeping Thomas long-term, and is proven as a great recruiter.