Interview: 2019 RB Thomas Kinslow is Carrying the Load Again for No. 5 Centennial Huskies

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Year after year, the Centennial Huskies are in the running for a California state title and national championship consideration under the guidance of legendary head coach Matt Logan. Coach Logan’s ability to maximize the talents and abilities of his players produce not only fantastic teams but amazing talent matriculating to the next level. One of Coach Logan’s trusted talents over the past two seasons has been 2019 running back Thomas Kinslow.

Kinslow was a workhorse back for the Huskies in 2017 pounding the rock 122 times for 978 yards with 20 scores while pulling in three passes for 58 yards through 12 games. That same type of effort has been on display yet again with the 5-10, 200-pound, back rushing for team-highs in yards (715), carries (120), and touchdowns (14) while pulling in two more passes for 51 yards.

The schedule for Centennial has not been easy taking on the likes of Pittsburg, IMG Academy (FL), Narbonne, Norco, Serra, Murrieta Valley, and St. John Bosco a year ago and Chandler (AZ), Orange Lutheran (twice), Pittsburg and Narbonne again, and Rancho Cucamonga. The big plays against all the top teams has brought in an offer from Air Force and Chadron State College with regional teams like San Diego State and Utah, among others, showing interest.

The Huskies are a 12-0 screaming freight train rolling into the station ranked No. 5 nationally set to take on No. 2 Mater Dei (MaxPreps) on Friday for the right to continue in the playoffs for top California honors. Ahead of the big game, I sat down with Kinslow for a catch-up interview covering his senior season and recruiting interest.

*Click link for Aug. 25, 2018, RNG video interview with Thomas Kinslow

Interview

Thomas, you once again have proven you are a workhorse tailback carrying the load for the Huskies offense again. From last season to this season, what have been the major differences in your game as a running back?

“Going into this season, I wanted to work on my speed, gain weight, and develop who I am as a back. I feel that my speed is better, I am more physical, and my cuts are faster.”

What do you feel are the strengths of your overall game as a tailback?

“I read my blocks well. I break down film watching defenses and look at our offensive linemen to see the holes they opened up in the last game. I imagine what will be going on in the game and breakdown all my cuts and moves to use my breakaway speed. I am versatile. I can catch the ball, give you a juke move to break one, and be physical to gain more yards.”

Is there an area of your game that college scouts may overlook that does not show up on the stat sheet or in the highlight reel?

“My hands. In our offense, we do not pass to the running back a lot. I have good hands. I love having the ball in my hands. My speed as well. Film may not show my top end speed.”

Which game this season has been your best?

“My best game this season was probably against Rancho (Cucamonga) or against Valley View.”

Against Valley View, what did you do well in that game?

“I was excited to play that game. It was midway through the season, I was still fresh and our team was coming together. I felt light on my feet. I like what I did in that game.”

Turning to the team, you guys have put it on everyone this season and have played really well in the playoffs. How has the team looked in the first two rounds against Orange Lutheran and Ranch Cucamonga?

“I think we have looked pretty phenomenal. In the Orange Lutheran game, we started off slow, but after the first series we started picking it up. We knew we had something bigger to play for. We come out and play for each other. We picked it up and showed we can hang with any team on offense and on defense.”

How did those games go for you?

“It went well for me. I tried to play the game how I needed to within the game plan. Against Rancho, I had two touchdowns and over 120 yards. I came out and looked to do the best that I could. Every run in the playoff counts. I thought I did well, showed my speed, and was physical wearing the defense down so we can drive down the field.

“No matter what, as long as we win and I am doing my job, and as long as the team is happy, I am happy. If I am scoring or blocking down the field, I am happy.”

You guys get perhaps your toughest test of the season going against No. 2 Mater Dei on Friday. What kind of game are you expecting from the Monarchs?

“I am expecting four quarters of football. They are one of the best teams in the country. They are well-coached, and their coach is one of the best in the country. This game will show what we stand for as a team. We have to play for each other and come out strong. They will show us something we have not seen this season. We are excited for the game.”

For you personally, what is the in-game match-up looking like?

“For me, I am looking at bigger defensive linemen. If I can get in the hole fast and get past the first level, I can make the second level miss and take off. I will have to be physical and see my blocks quickly to have a good game.”

What has been the mindset of the team this week in practice?

“Honestly, our mindset is we are not going to lose. We want to win. We are coming out to show everyone what Centennial Husky football is about. Coach Logan has been preparing us all week. We are locked in and focused. That is how we are practicing.”

Turning to recruiting. You have the offer from Air Force, but which schools are showing interest in your but have not offered yet?

“San Diego State, Washington State, Utah, and Utah State.”

*Chardon State College offered hours after this interview

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I plan on visiting Air Force after the season. I am focused on the season and school right now.”

Understood. With recruiting, is there a message you’d like to give to all the college coaches out there?

“I am a hungry football player who works hard and is trying to succeed. I want to play at the next level. I really want this as bad as I want to breathe. I will not let them down if they take a chance on me.”

Thomas, I appreciate your time today. Good luck on Friday against Mater Dei.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Thomas Kinslow