Interview: 2018 California WR Matae Thomas Talks Indiana State Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Score one for Indiana State’s football program, or perhaps score two would be more appropriate. On Thursday, the Sycamores staff pulled a hidden recruiting gem out of California in Matae Thomas. This is the second time in two years ISU landed an overlooked Thomas off Norco High School’s roster.

When ISU came out west last season, they were working on a two for one deal and got it. Time and energy went into securing Class of 2017 receiver Michael Thomas eventually leading to the commitment of his young brother Matae out of the 2018 class.

Matae started jumping on recruiting boards during his junior season after pulling in 32 passes for 332 yards with four touchdowns. The Cougars (3-2) are once again a loaded team with next level talent with Matae being one of them. The 6-4, 190 pound, target has secured 10 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown. The Cougars are about to enter the second season of the regular schedule taking on Big VII League foes.

Ahead of all the excitement of playing for a conference title with state title aspirations, Thomas made a big decision on Thursday morning verbally committing to Sycamores head coach, Coach Curt Mallory. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I got the inside scoop on how it all went down.

Interview

Matae, first, congratulations on your commitment.

“Thank you.”

Let’s set the table. Which schools were showing recruiting interest in you leading up to your commitment?

“Sac State (Sacramento State), New Mexico, Cal Poly, UC Davis, Hawaii, and some of the Ivy League schools.”

I know that this is a big deal for your family, when you told your family you had committed to ISU how did they react?

“There was ton of emotion and excitement. They are excited to see both their boys playing at the same school. They are excited to see me play college football.”

What influenced you to commit when you did? Was there something special about committing today?

“The timing felt right with the way the coaches have been talking to me and the way they were relating to me. I felt the time was right to end my recruiting process.”

How did the commitment take place?

“Coach Mallory called me. We were talking about everything, and I decided to commit.”

What was the reaction of Coach Mallory when you told him you wanted to be a Sycamore?

“He was a little shocked. We were talking about committing and getting all of this over with so I don’t think he was completely shocked. He was definitely excited.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I was nervous to make that decision but extremely excited.”

Have you taken any of your official visits yet?

“No, but I am planning my official visit to Indiana State soon. I took an unofficial out there over the summer. I really enjoyed the campus and everything about the place when I was there.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Oh yeah. I’ve already started. I’m giving my number out and letting the coaches know about players we could use at Indiana State.”

How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“Indiana State pitches itself. The coaches are amazing. They are like family. Indiana State is an on the rise football program. Bringing in some great freshman talent into something new – it will be great.”

Moving to on the field news. The Cougars get Corona on Friday night, what has you excited about the game?

“That is the school I transferred from my freshman year. It is fun playing against the guys I used to play with.”

How will their defense be a challenge for the Cougars offense?

“The biggest challenge, their defense changes a lot. We’re not sure what we will be seeing on Friday. We prepped really well this week in practice. We are ready.”

Any other games on the schedule you can’t wait to play?

“Roosevelt. We lost to them 51-52 last year. I’m excited to play them this year. I played 7v7 with a lot of those guys. Centennial is another one. Centennial is a school everyone wants to beat. I think we have a chance to beat them this year.”

Let’s finish in the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.4”

What are you thinking about majoring in at Indiana State?

“Probably engineering.”

What is your favorite class this year?

“Math is my favorite subject, but my favorite class is physics.”

Matae, thanks for your time today and good luck with Corona on Friday.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Mamarazzi; No. 21 Matae Thomas in action