Breaking Interview: 4-Star 2017 CB Thomas Graham Jr. Sets Four Official Visits, Possible Fifth

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

College coaches are focused on getting their respective teams ready for the 2016 season but a sharp eye is still on the recruiting scene. One of the states drawing the most recruiting attention for top cornerbacks is California with Thomas Graham Jr. being one of the main draws.

Of the seven Top 10 corners in the 2017 recruiting class left uncommitted, three hail from California; No. 2 Darnay Holmes (Calabasas – Los Angeles), No. 10 Jaylon Johnson (Central East – Fresno), and Graham. 247Sports rates Graham as the No. 50 overall player in the nation and No. 7 cornerback in the 2017 class thus all the fuss.

Graham is more than a recruiting ranking putting his skill set to the test over the past two seasons on the gridiron coming out on top. With Eleanor Roosevelt High School during his sophomore season, Graham had 49 tackles, 41 solo, with six pass breakups and one interception. All the athletic gifts and field experience really started to come together for the- now 5-11, 180 pound, star in 2015 seeing him fill the stat sheet with 103 stops, 41 solo, along with 15 passes defended starring for Rancho Cucamonga High School. Graham added to his luster by recovering four fumbles, forcing a fumble, blocking a field goal, and taking an interception back 82 yards for a quick six.

College coaches have scrambled over Thomas in the off-season trying to forge that bond that will lead to an official visit and, hopefully, a signed National Letter of Intent on National Signing Day. Of the 21 offers Graham has on the table, by Aug. 1 he set two official visits and one unofficial; an official to Arizona for USC game (Oct. 15), an official to Oregon for Washington game (Oct. 8), and an unofficial to UCLA, date to be determined. Teams like Alabama, Washington, Colorado, LSU, Oklahoma, Utah, and USC were hopefuls to be in the running for one of the final two visits. Penn State, Notre Dame, Arizona, and Nebraska were then narrowed down to be in the running for the final two official visits.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Thomas before Rancho Cucamonga started their 2016 schedule to get an overview on his off-season workouts, how the Cougars look heading into the season, and received some breaking recruiting news.

Interview

Thomas, I know you had a busy off-season with workouts and camps. Which camps did you attend this summer?

“I went to the Nike Opening (Finals) and to the Sound Mind Sound Body camp.”

How did the Opening Finals go for you?

“It was fun. I made the first team. I feel like I played well. I think I only gave up three or four passes all weekend. That was a pretty good weekend there.”

Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?

“I did. I ran a 4.5.”

What all have you been working on this summer to prepare for your senior year?

“I tweaked my ankle this summer so I took a little break. Since I’ve been back I have been practicing a lot at wide receiver. I’m understanding defenses from an offensive standpoint.”

Are you excited about the extra time on the field at wide receiver this year?

“Yes. I am very excited.”

Will we see you on special teams this year?

“Yes. I am a three-way starter. I’m returning punts and kicks this year too.”

Do you think the opposition will kick to you?

“I don’t think they will kick it to us at all. I think we’ll see a lot of pooch kicks this year.”

How does the team look going into the season?

“We look – really good. Our defense looks good and we have great chemistry on that side of the ball. We are still working on offense trying to get better. I want to see us in a full game. Our practices are not balanced because we have a lot of guys playing both ways. In practice, our offense cannot surprise anyone anymore. You see the same plays over and over and you know how to stop the plays.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are pumped to play this year?

“I’m excited to play our first game (Chaparral – Aug. 26). After that I’m excited to play Murrieta Valley (Sept. 16) and Upland (Oct. 7).”

Your first game is on Friday, are you getting excited?

“I’m real excited. We have the best defensive back corps in the nation.”

I agree. It would be tough to argue against that. Let’s switch to recruiting. How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 21 offers.”

Of the teams that have offered you, which teams are showing the most interest?

“I have four official visits scheduled now. I have visits to Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, Arizona, and I am thinking about Arizona State. I’m taking an unofficial to UCLA since they are so close to home.”

Do you know the dates Nebraska and Notre Dame yet?

“I’m going to Nebraska on Sept. 3 for the Fresno State game and Notre Dame on Sept. 17 for the Michigan State game.”

Do you know when you might visit ASU?

“I’m not sure yet. I want to see them play a good team so I can see the game day atmosphere. Not an easy game but a game that will be a good one.”

Have you set a date in your mind for your commitment? Are you going to wait until after the season or on National Signing Day?

“I’m thinking about doing it sometime in November or the first of December.”

When you are weighing the pros and cons for each team leading towards that commitment, what are the most important things for you?

“My relationship with the coaches, education, and how I feel about the school. If I feel like I am comfortable, I’m good. If I don’t feel comfortable, I can’t go there.”

Thomas thanks for your time today and good luck with the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 11 Thomas Graham Jr. at a Nike camp.

Photo credit: wearesc.com; No. 11 Thomas Graham Jr. postgame.