Interview: Former Dynamic Georgia RB Kentavious Thomas Set for Big Sophomore Year with Fullerton JUCO

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

In the real world and in the business world, nothing is a done deal until the ink is on the paper and the check is in the bank, and even then the unknown can and usually does happen. For former Baldwin High School standout running back Kentavious Thomas, the work on the field was logged in and the offers were on the table but one point on the ACT has for now temporarily detoured a promising Power Five Conference collegiate career.

Thomas tore up opposing Georgia high school defenses during his high school career rushing for over 1,100 yards with 21 scores on the ground along with 594 yards in the passing game during his junior season. He followed up his 2014 campaign with an estimated 2,000-yard rushing season as a senior committing to Mississippi State (Feb. 8, 2014) along the way.

One missed point on the ACT later, the- now 5-11, 210 pound, back is moving the yard stick for Fullerton College. During his true freshman season, Thomas was part of a stable of running backs taking turns carrying the rock but still managed 500 yards rushing off 74 carries with four touchdowns through seven games played.

I caught up with the Milledgeville area product as Fullerton heads into their 2016 season getting an overview on his freshman season, skill set, and a recruiting news update in an exclusive interview.

Interview

Kentavious, how did your senior season with Baldwin High School go for you?

“I had a good senior year. I rushed for over 2,000 yards.”

You had a lot of honors coming out of high school. Do you remember any of the honors you earned?

“I think I was All-Conference three straight years, All-Region three straight years, and All-Middle Georgia three straight years. I’m not sure which teams I was selected for then. I know I was first team twice. I think I made All-State once or twice.”

You were committed to Mississippi State but ended up at Fullerton, what led you to Fullerton?

“I was one point below what was needed on my ACT.”

That’s frustrating. Just one point?

“Yes sir.”

You had a very solid year with Fullerton helping the team to a 6-5 record. Going into the season did you know you would have that big of an impact during your first season of college ball?

“No. Well, kind of sort of. I knew we had a lot of good running backs. We switched in and out throughout the season. I would start one game then the other backs would start the next game. We have a lot of good backs on our team.”

When you take the handoff, what are some of the things you do well with the ball in your hands?

“I have great balance, my elusiveness, and I can take a hit. My speed, I have good breakaway speed. I’m basically a one-cut back. I take one cut and I am moving. I do not sit around and give people the opportunity to tackle or hit me. I don’t use spin or juke moves if I don’t have to.”

What have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your true sophomore season?

“I worked on getting my knees up higher and staying low through the hole. I’ve worked on breaking arm tackles. I did a lot of jump rope. I did a lot of balance stuff, speed training, and catching the ball out of the backfield. I’ve gotten better at catching the ball out of the backfield. I worked on my field vision too.”

Did you max out on any of the primary football lifts over the summer?

“I did on squats. I did 505 pounds. I had a wrist injury – stiff armed a guy and it bent back the wrong way, so I try to avoid maxing out on lifts that strain my wrist. I do a lot of push-ups and high reps with low weight to build my strength.”

You’ve mentioned your speed a couple of times. What is the best 40-yard dash time you have posted?

“4.49.”

Will your role expand or change this year within Fullerton’s offense?

“No, not really. I may catch the ball a little more out of the backfield like on screens but everything else will stay the same.”

What about special teams, will we see you on special teams?

“No. I’ve tried to get coach to let me do it but he just wants me to run the ball.”

That makes sense, why risk injuring you on special teams when you can be a workhorse running the ball down the other team’s throat.

(Laughs) “Exactly.”

What goals have you set for yourself for the 2016 football season?

“I want at least 1,500 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you now?

“I’ve talked to Miami, K-State (Kansas State), Louisville, Utah State, and Tennessee so far.”

You’ve been through the recruiting process before. This time around, what are the things that are most important to you when choosing a four-year school to play for next year?

“I’m looking for a school that will give me an opportunity to come in and do the job or take the job if I perform well. I want a school that will make me a better person on and off the field. If a school can do those two things, I am good.”

How does Fullerton look heading into the season?

“We are going to be a good team this season. Everyone is coming together. We have a lot of good players, a lot of D-I players. We should win state this year – I hope. We have a good run in us this year.”

Kentavious, thanks for your time today and good luck with your sophomore season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Fullerton College; Kentavious Thomas takes the handoff.

Photo credit: Thomas family; Kentavious Thomas in the Fullerton locker room.

Photo credit:  Thomas family; Kentavious Thomas sporting his MSU jersey.