Interview: California 2017 WR/DB Michael Thomas Drawing National Recruiting Attention

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Norco High School all-around athlete Michael Thomas has busted out of the gates for his senior season leaving a trail of abused California squads in his wake. The Corona area team has started off 4-2 with great play in all three phases of the game with Thomas being a lead contributor in all three facets.

Thomas ended his junior season earning first team All-League honors after hauling in over 30 passes for 700-plus yards with 10 touchdowns. Through the early part of the 2016 season, Thomas has already bested some of last year’s numbers securing 31 passes and is on pace for a breakout season with 524 yards in the passing attack with six touchdowns, all team-highs, and has converted two-point conversions four times.

The 6-2.5, 182 pound, recruit is showcasing his speed and abilities on special teams as well with three kicks returned for 97 yards and two punt returns covering 40. Playing corner on defense for the first time after playing safety a year ago, Thomas has 21 tackles, 13 solo, two tackles for a loss, and two interceptions taking one back to the house for a 53-yard score.

Thomas is an interest magnet getting looks from Washington State, Colorado, Utah State, Columbia, Yale, Princeton, Weber State, Montana, Idaho State, and Army. Off the field, Thomas continues to excel sporting a cumulative 3.6 GPA, which is sure to go up after maintain a 4.3 GPA this semester, and has the standardized test scores to match.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Thomas as the Cougars hit the backend of their 2016 schedule to see how his season is going while gaining insight on his recruiting process.

Interview

Michael, how have you solidified your on the field connection with (quarterback) Nick Lasher (Class of 2019) this year?

“With a young quarterback it is all about confidence. I make sure I make plays so he keeps throwing me the ball and keeps his confidence up.”

What gains have you made with your game this year at wide receiver?

“Definitely my speed. My intelligence, knowing how they are going to play me, and working off double teams has been an improvement. At corner, everything has been a gain because I had never played it before this year.”

How is playing corner going?

“It is going very-very well right now. I think I am doing a very good job.”

We talked about the gains you have made at wide receiver, what are the strengths of your game at that position?

“I think for a receiver my biggest strengths are my hands, route running, and intelligence.”

Which game has been your best so far?

“Possibly Corona (won 58-21). I did a lot on both sides of the ball. I don’t know which game is my best really.”

Is there a game you are looking forward to coming up?

“Actually last week at Corona was a big game for me. I transferred from Corona my sophomore year. Centennial (No. 7 ranked team in the country) is one coming up that will be big.”

What are your thoughts on facing Centennial (Oct. 21) at this time?

“I am looking forward to it. I know I will be covered by (cornerback) Jaylan Shaw (UCLA commit). I worked out with him all off-season. I’m excited for that.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“A lot of the Big Sky schools like Utah State, Weber State, Montana, and Idaho State. I have interest from Ivy League schools like Columbia, Princeton, and Yale. I also have interest from Colorado, Washington State, and West Point (Army).”

Back to on the field, the Cougars are 4-2, how does the team look heading into the playoffs?

“We’re looking good. We are on a three-game win streak and building. We are peaking at the right time, later on in the season.”

Michael, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Michael Thomas at Norco High School.

Photo credit: dailybulletin.com; No. 1 Michael Thomas closes in on a Chino High School ball carrier.