Recruiting Battle: Thomas Fidone

UPDATE: Thomas Fidone has committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The Contenders:

Thomas Fidone appears to have narrowed his list down to six teams. He will announce his decision on August 26, 2020. Here is a quick tale of the tape for the top six teams. For our scouting report on Fidone click here.

Why Iowa?

Iowa is the home state school, and that carries meaning with FIdone. He likes the blue collar attitude of the Iowa football team and the tough identity they have fostered. The Hawkeyes do an excellent job of getting tight ends drafted by the NFL ranking third in our TEU rankings (and trending higher). Lead recruiter LeVar Woods and the entire Iowa staff have built a good relationship with Fidone over the course of his recruitment. The path to the NFL and the relationship with the staff have the home state Hawkeyes in the mix.

Why LSU?

The Tigers have surged recently in this battle but Fidone has been unable to make an official visit to LSU due to the ongoing recruiting dead period. He is in regular contact with the coaching staff and is definitely interested in LSU. The way the Tigers used Thad Moss in 2019 is appealing to Fidone who sees an opportunity to showcase his receiving abilities in Baton Rouge. The defending champs have become a recruiting destination and offer the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage.

Why Michigan?

The Wolverines have a strong tradition of good tight end play that they are attempting to revive. Tight ends coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis have established a great relationship with Fidone. Michigan has a strong academic tradition and a proud football history that still carries weight on the recruiting trail. QB commit JJ McCarthy has been recruiting Fidone to join him in Ann Arbor where they can team up going forward. The relationships with the staff and tradition have the Wolverines on Fidone’s list of finalists.

Why Nebraska?

While Iowa is the home state school, Nebraska is actually the closest to home by a good margin. Scott Frost and the entire staff at Nebraska have made Fidone a priority as they attempt to restore the program to its glory days. Fidone has visited Nebraska many times and is comfortable with the entire staff in Lincoln. Frost is leaning on his success at UCF to convince Fidone of where he will take the Nebraska program in the future. The Huskers did not sign a tight end in the 2020 recruiting class offering a less crowded path to early playing time in Lincoln.

Why Notre Dame?

Notre Dame ranks #1 in our TEU rankings, having done an excellent job sending tight ends to the NFL. Fidone is well aware of the lineage of tight ends that have started at Notre Dame and gone on to play in the NFL over the past century. This tradition has Notre Dame in the mix to land Fidone’s commitment but the Irish’s chances were hurt by the recruiting shutdown which hasn’t allowed Fidone to visit as he intended to.

Why Penn State?

The Nittany Lions have been producing quality tight ends, especially as of late. Pat Friermuth is one of the best in the country at the position and Fidone feels like he could be next in line in Happy Valley. Penn State is not one of the favorites in this battle and is the farthest from home for Fidone, but he has not crossed them off his list yet. James Franklin is a good recruiter but Penn State is a long shot here.

Here is our scouting report on Fidone.

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