2020 RB NLR Brandon Thomas Covers Recruiting Ahead of Arkansas State Unofficial
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Putting a consistently winning program together in any sport is never easy, especially at the highest classification. Under head coach Jamie Mitchell, North Little Rock High School has earned a spot among the top programs in the nation taking home a 7A Arkansas state championship in 2017 earning an end of season No. 7 national ranking with a 13-0 record and followed that up with a 12-1 campaign guiding his squad back to the title game. That success does not happen without key players buying into the message and taking the field with an attitude and will to win. One of those guys for the Charging Wildcats Coach Mitchell can count on to get it done no matter the opponent has been standout Class of 2020 running back Brandon Thomas.
Thomas is that tailback collegiate offensive coordinators love. He does not dance in the hole or bounce everything to the outside fearing contact. Instead, Thomas uses every part of his 5-10, 203-pound, frame to bury defenders in the turf or flips the switch on his speed hitting that next gear leaving hopefuls in the dust. Full season stats have not been released on Thomas, but through seven regular season games he toted the rock 101 times for 837 yards with four scores (MaxPreps) and when it counted most, in two playoff games carried the rock 30 times for 476 more yards with six trips into the end zone.
College coaches seeking a difference maker out of the backfield for their 2020 class are finding Thomas. In late January, South Alabama offered and on March 23 Memphis extended a scholarship to their program. With his recruitment taking off and two big seasons of top notch football under his belt, I spent some time with Thomas learning more about his style of play and recruitment ahead of a weekend visit to Arkansas State.
Interview
Brandon, it is fun to watch you carry the ball. How would you describe your running style?
“My running style, not sure how to describe it. I fight for yards, I don’t juke, and I am always going forward for the first down or for the extra yards.”
Do you have a nickname on the field as a running back?
“Not really. They call me BT.”
We need to start one for you like The Mack, as in Mack Truck, or the Humvee, like the military vehicle combining the strength with the speed in your style of play.”
“I have never thought about it. I just do what I do on the field. I am blessed with what I have. People tell me I am fast and that I am strong, but I never look at my strength or speed. I just play and try to do the best I can.”
With the 2018 season, how did the year go for you personally?
“It went well. I started off with an injury. Over the first couple of games I was not back to myself. Once conference started, I was rocking n’ rolling. I played better than during my 10th grade season.”
I know you get a lot of tosses left and right within the Wildcats offense, what are some of the other ways your skills are used as a tailback?
“I like going up the middle, I can truck guys. I like those plays. I am coming full speed, and they do not see it coming.”
Where did you see your game improve throughout the season?
“It improved a lot. My vision improved the most. During my 10th grade season, I was good but I did not have everything put together yet. During the offseason, I watched a lot of film on myself to learn from my mistakes and to see what I could do better. Through practice, that made me improve on a lot of things.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on strength in weight room. I have not worked on my footwork yet but I will start that soon.”
Do you have a weight goal you want to hit before the season begins?
“Yes, sir. I want to be at 220 pounds.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“Yes, sir. My power clean is 290 to 300, in that range, my squat is 555, and my bench is 265.”
That’s great. As we talk about your strength and speed, what is the fastest 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“A 4.5.”
Will your role change at all next year on the field? Will we see you on the other side of the ball next year?
“No, sir. I am not playing defense, I will be strictly at running back.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from Arkansas, North Texas, and Arkansas State.”
Which schools have offered you?
“South Alabama and Memphis.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“Memphis and Arkansas.”
How did the Memphis visit go?
“It went great. I loved it. I toured the school, their weight room, saw a practice, and I dressed out in the jersey. They talked about the education I could receive at Memphis. I loved how it went.”
What about Arkansas, how did that go?
“It was pretty much the same thing. I loved it too. They did not offer, but they showed me around. I did not see a practice. I love the school. They also talked about the education they offer at their school. I liked that.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes, sir. I am going to Arkansas State this Saturday.”
What has you excited about visiting Arkansas State?
“I am ready to see how it goes and meet all the coaches.”
Brandon, it was great talking football with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you luck with your Arkansas State visit on Saturday.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Thomas family; Brandon Thomas at Arkansas and Memphis