Interview: 2017 FS/OLB Thane Wadams Proving to be a Top Playmaker for Pima JUCO

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

With football, stats sometimes do lie, while game tape never lies. The notion of importance on game tape over a stat column could not be any more important than to free safety/outside linebacker Thane Wadams.

Long before Wadams was knocking helmets in the junior college ranks, he was an all-purpose athlete burying opposing 5A competition for Barry Goldwater High School (Phoenix). During his senior year with the Bulldogs, Wadams was used on offense as a receiver, on special teams as a punt and kick returner, and in the box as a linebacker/free safety. A glitch in Goldwater school credits led Wadams to Mt. San Jacinto for his freshman year where he earned ample playing time behind two future Division-I safeties. Wadams was deep in the two-man rotation coming up with 22 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and two pass broken up in eight games played.

In the off-season, Wadams transferred to Pima Community College to be closer to his family. Same tough player, but with even better results. The 6-1, 195 pound, do-everything defender is credited with just 29 tackles this season in seven games played. This is where game tape fills in the blanks with a much more productive stat line; who knows just how well he has played this season per stats? His total tackles are estimated somewhere north of 60 on the season. One thing that is a known, Wadams is all over the field coming up to support the run and racking up tackles for a loss and dropping back tipping away passes or forcing alligator arms with big hits. If Wadams’ game tape tells anything, he’s fast, can cover, and likes to hit.

As the Division-I season starts to wind down, college coaches are picking up the pace looking for guys that can come in right away to fill in a hole on their two-deep. Teams looking at Wadams run the gambit from Arizona, Northern Arizona, Utah State, St. Francis (D-II), Missouri Southern, and Arizona State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Wadams to get his story filling in the blanks between the stat sheet and Hudl highlight reel.

Interview

Thane, which schools were showing recruiting interest in you out of high school?

“U of A (Arizona), they really liked me out of high school. One of my credits was not accepted, but that was not my fault. At a U of A camp they wanted to offer. Because my transcripts were messed up they couldn’t, so Pima offered and I accepted. I’ve been doing really well and benefiting in their program.”

How has your sophomore season gone so far?

“I think it has gone really well. That is one of the reasons I transferred here.”

Even though Pima lost a tough 30-24 contest to Glendale, you had 13 tackles in that game. What clicked for you against Glendale?

“I came up and made plays that needed to be made. I only have one game left this season. I have a family at home I’m trying to support. I’m trying to get somewhere to pay for things I need to pay for. I have a different mentality than others. Something clicks for me once I step on the field. I do everything in my power to make plays every game.”

From your stat line, it looks like the game is starting to click for you. Your numbers are popping up. What has been the difference for you during the back half of the schedule?

“I have started since the third game of our season. I’m the type of person who works for what he wants. I keep my grades up and work hard on the field. I’m being even more aggressive on the field looking for ways to make plays on defense and on special teams to show what I can do.”

Your final game of the season is on Saturday against Mesa. What will that game be like for you on an emotional level?

“I feel like it has been a long journey. I have put trust in the process. It is very scary that this is possibly my last game of football. Over the last two seasons I have busted my butt not knowing where I am going but working for my passion. Football is something that has paid for school. I don’t have parents or family paying for anything. I want to earn my degree and do the things I love. My ultimate goal is to be in the league but I just want to keep playing college football first.”

What kind of challenge does Mesa bring to the field against the Aztecs?

“They are a very physical and well coached team. I feel like our defense will have to be sound and in the right spot to stop the run. We’ll have to be on our technique. We watched film on them today. I have more work to see the type of offense they have and what they are trying to do each play.”

How has your game improved this season?

“I feel like my confidence level has grown. I am more football aware. My game IQ has grown. I play with aggression, I don’t hold back. I play with everything I got like it is my last game.”

Is there a player at the D-I or NFL level that you watch to learn more about the game?

“In the NFL Kam Chancellor (Seahawks). At the D-I level I watch some of my friends from my JUCO in California. I get information from them. They share tips with me to try to help me. I try to utilize that info to become a better player. Every Saturday when I can, I watch them play to see what type of technique and effort they are giving. I try to put myself in that situation to see what I would do.”

Which schools have shown recruiting interest in you?

“Arizona, NAU, Utah State really wanted me last year, and D-II University of St. Francis. I went to an ASU camp, their coach liked me then. They asked for my information. I heard from Missouri Southern. They are supposed to come see me on Tuesday. Campbell has just started showing interest too.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits?

“I took an unofficial to Arizona right before the season started.”

How did that go?

“It was right after their camp. A select few guys got to do it. They showed us around the facility and had us try on their uniforms. Matt Dudek (director of player personnel), I talked to him when I was there. I was one of the MVPs that day at their camp. He asked me to stay in contact with him.”

What is your overall GPA?

“3.0.”

Whatever college you may choose to play for at the next level, what are looking for in the school that will help influence your decision?

“I want somebody that really thinks I can benefit their program. Someone that wants me. I want to know how I can further my education at their school. Do they have a family environment and do I fit in? I want to go somewhere I can contribute and make the program better overall.”

Thane, thanks for your time today and good luck against Mesa.

“Thank you.”

Click the link to see Thane Wadams’ highlight reel.

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Photo credits: Wadam family; Thane Wadam.