Dwight Thomas, a distinguished figure in Florida high school football, has dedicated more than three decades to the game as a teacher, coach, mentor, and advocate. A proven leader on the sidelines, Thomas compiled a 102-66-2 record as a head coach and guided Escambia High School to back-to-back FHSAA State Championships in 1984 and 1985. Earlier in his career, he helped Merritt Island High School secure the 1972 State Championship as a varsity assistant. He also excelled as a defensive coordinator, contributing to an additional state title and a runner-up finish.

During his remarkable career at Escambia, Thomas coached numerous athletes who went on to play college and professional football, most notably NFL Hall of Famer and Dallas Cowboys All-Pro running back Emmitt Smith. His ability to develop talent and build championship programs left an indelible mark on Florida high school football.

After 33 years of coaching, Thomas turned his attention to athlete promotion and recruiting. He founded the Florida High School Coaches Recruiting Service, offering schools and student-athletes statewide exposure to college programs at no cost. A true pioneer, Thomas organized the first-ever high school football combine, revolutionizing the way players were evaluated and leveraging the internet to connect Florida athletes with opportunities nationwide. His groundbreaking efforts established Florida as a national hotbed of high school football talent and forever changed the recruiting landscape.

His impact extended beyond the field. Thomas was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Hall of Fame in 1995 and went on to serve as FACA President from 1991 to 1992, as well as a representative on the FHSAA Board of Directors. He is a three-time FACA Coach of the Year and received the association’s highest honors, including the Meritorious Service Award and Life Membership Award. He also coached in the FACA Florida/Georgia and North/South All-Star Games. Nationally, his voice reached thousands of coaches through articles in publications such as Sports Illustrated, National Coach, and the American Football Coaches Association Manual.

Today, Thomas continues his lifelong mission of supporting student-athletes through his work with Catapult Sports Football Recruiting, helping Florida players earn college scholarships at no cost to their families. His enduring legacy is defined not only by championships and accolades, but by his unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for high school coaches and athletes across the state of Florida.