Matt Stamey/staff photographer
To Mark Thompson, leaving La Mott, Pennsylvania — a town just 11 miles from Philadelphia — for Dodge City, Kansas, was “the biggest culture shock” for the JUCO-bound running back.
“Going from a city, to flat land 50 miles every way,” Thompson said. “Big culture shock. Cowboys. The biggest mall is probably the size of one of the dorms out here.”
In his first year with the Gators, the redshirt junior transfer feels more comfortable in Gainesville, which Thompson believes will help him stay focused on football.
“(It’s) way easier, because there’s no distractions,” he said.