Fort Smith Northside 2016 CB Kiondre Thomas Talks Minnesota Official Visit and Louisiana Tech Decommitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Picking a college to attend for any number of reasons just to receive an education alone can be very difficult. Add on the pressures of being a student-athlete picking the right fit not only with academics, fit in style of play, connection with campus, and relationship with various head coaches, the decision can become overwhelming. For Fort Smith Northside cornerback Kiondre Thomas, a little more time mulling over his options before making a life altering decision was needed.

On May 18, Thomas verbally committed to Louisiana Tech setting a path towards a guaranteed college education and the possibility of continuing playing the game he loves. Offers and interest have continued to come forward with the University of Minnesota being one of the more persistent options lately. A weekend visit to Minneapolis may have changed Thomas’ direction going forward, or at least altered it for the time being. On Saturday he decommitted from Louisiana Tech in the midst of his official to the Golden Gophers.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I got the background story on Kiondre’s visit to Minnesota and his decommitment from Louisiana Tech.

Interview

Kiondre, how did your official visit to Minnesota go?

“It went great. It was so different from what I am used to. The campus was bigger and I met more people – it was like being in a big city. Being from Arkansas, I’m not used to it. It was nice and the people were real friendly there.”

What all did you do during your visit?

“When we first got there we checked into the hotel and then toured the football complex. After that I went to meet up with all the official visitors and some of the commits. After that we watched the game and then I hung out with my host. On Sunday we took an academic tour and checked out all the athletic facilities and stuff like that. That night we ate dinner with our hosts and the coaches. After that we hung out with our host a little more and then on Monday morning I came back home.”

Who was your host?

“KiAnte Harden (Webb City High School – Webb City, MO).”

Did you get time to talk to the coaches while you were there?

“We went in on one of the team meetings. Coach (Jay) Sawvel (defensive backs coach) showed us what we would be doing if we were part of the team. He told us all the standards that they have for us if we were to play there.”

Did you see yourself fitting in with the team if you were to attend college there?

“Most definitely.”

You mentioned a few things that excited you about your visit, was there anything else that stood out to you?

“The academics, because if you don’t go to the NFL you will have a lot of opportunities graduating from there because of all the businesses and Fortune 500 companies in the area. There are a lot of connections there. People take care of their people there. If you are on the football team it shows you know how to work hard and have good team work skills, that translates to business.”

Are you going on any other official visits?

“I’m going to one to Louisiana Tech.”

When are you going to Louisiana Tech for an official?

“I think I’m going on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend (Jan. 18).”

What did you tell the Louisiana Tech coaches when you were decommitting?

“I told them I’d like to thank them for the opportunity but I’m decommitting.”

What did the coaches say to you after you decommitted?

“They asked me if I was sure and they said we’re still going to keep calling you and recruiting you. They said we still have you scheduled for an official visit in January. Honestly, I was sad afterwards.”

I bet, committing to or picking a school to attend and play ball for is not an easy process. Are any other schools showing continued interest in you right now?

“Besides Minnesota and Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma State and Arkansas get in touch with me every now and again but that is about it. It has slowed down a lot since I committed to Louisiana Tech.”

Do you have a timeline when you may verbally commit again?

“Probably after the season but it could be before then. I don’t know.”

Kiondre, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your recruiting process.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: arkansasonline.com; No. 10 Kiondre Thomas.