Interview: 2020 California ATH Ashton Thomas is Preparing for League MVP Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some guys talk a great game, but somewhere in the timber of the voice the conviction of the words is not there. Take a few minutes to talk to Ashton Thomas, he has the work ethic and determination to accomplish anything he sets his mind to in his life and the belief system is ingrained. The 5-9, 160-pound, athlete is ambitious to say the least, but certainly can back up his goals with his play on the field. When he says he wants to be the Foothill MVP for the 2019 season, you can’t help but believe he will find a way to make it happen.
Thomas was a two-way standout for Hart High School during his junior campaign. On offense, he snagged 39 passes for 490 yards with four scores and carried the pigskin 11 time for 73 more all-purpose yards. On defense, he earned All-Foothill League honors shutting down his side of the field with 26 stops, 18 solo, picked off two passes, and knocked away four passes.
Watching game reel on Thomas, his speed and quickness immediately show. But play after play, one gets the sense that Thomas is playing on another level than the rest, especially on defense. The mental part of Thomas’ game is above the grade. With his offseason workouts in full-swing with the Indians and getting extra reps on the 7v7 circuit and training with Formula for Speed, Thomas is setting himself up for success throughout his senior season.
In an RNG update interview, I caught up with Thomas just before his last college camp of the summer getting an update on his workouts and camp circuit with a look ahead to the 2019 schedule.
*Click link for Jan. 27, 2019, RNG video interview with Ashton Thomas
Interview
Ashton, I want to start with letting you know I like your game at corner. You have the blend of athletic talent and great awareness around you. How did you build your football IQ for on the field awareness?
“I developed it with a lot of film study. When I go on the field, I know what I am looking at with their quarterback and receivers. I know their tendencies. Because I play both ways, when I am at receiver, I know what a defensive back is looking at and vice versa. My field awareness is from hours and hours of watching film. I make sure I am doing the little stuff to get better.”
You also stood out on offense with 490 yards off 39 receptions with four scores. How did that part of your game come along last season?
“It came along well. We did a good job as a whole last season on offense making sure we did everything needed and went over everything in practice to prepare. Being a playmaker, I go out there every Friday like it is our last game. The offseason grind gets me prepared for Friday nights.”
Your speed and quickness in space shows. What is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?
“My best 40-yard dash this offseason was a 4.5 at an Adidas camp.”
I asked about your awareness and speed for defense, what are some of the other traits to your game on that side of the ball that allows you to be productive?
“Being a playmaker, I feel that I am the best on the field at all times. No receiver or quarterback is better than me or can outsmart me. I know what a quarterback wants to do before he does it. I watch film, I know what his first read is. I may know the play before he hikes the ball.”
You forgot one thing; you will come up an lay the wood.
(Laughs) “Yes. I love to hit and get a taste.”
On offense, what are some of your strengths on that side of the ball?
“My quickness and speed. In the slot, no linebacker can or should be able to keep up with me. I have been in the weight room this offseason getting stronger. I am a lot stronger this year. At wide out, no defensive back can touch me off the line. I am very quick and I have good hands. Also, any ball in the air is mine.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes, sir. I played with Formula for Speed.”
How did playing with Formula for Speed help push your game forward?
“The coaches at Formula are attentive to the little details. They know body language. If your language is not good, you are not ready to play. Other programs do not do that, they just throw out their best guys. We will be on top because of the little things. They take care of the kids and take pride in coaching. They get to know us as players. We respect them and listen. With my technique, they helped me eliminate my extra steps as a defensive back.”
What have you been working on this spring and summer as a corner?
“I have been working on my backpedal – getting it smother, coming out of breaks faster and being more explosive. I can keep up with any receiver. I have worked on minor footwork details as a defensive back. I have also worked on getting my eyes right and knowing when to look back or keep locked in on the receiver.”
And on offense?
“Same thing – my quickness and more speed added to my game. I am making sure my routes are extra crispy and I have developed stronger hands for tough catches. My stamina is better this year. In the fourth quarter when everyone is tired, I will be ready to make the big plays.”
Did you showcase your skills at any camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I camped at the Redlands, Nevada, San Jose State, and USC.”
Of all the camps, which was your best showcase camp?
“My best performance was at the Redlands camp. The coaches there were looking at me, that helped me with performance. I gave them something to watch as a defensive back and as a receiver.”
I know camp season is winding down, but are there any upcoming camps you may attend?
“Yes, sir. I am going to a Nevada camp on the 26th.”
With the season getting closer to kicking off, which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am receiving interest from Wyoming, Oregon State, Nevada, San Jose State, Sacramento State, UNLV, Washington, Utah, Washington State, and Azusa Pacific.”
Nice. Did you get a chance to visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes, sir. We took visits to Southern Utah, Utah, BYU, and UNLV.”
Looking ahead. Going through summer ball, how is the team looking building off the spring?
“Oh man, we look way better. We are stronger and faster this year. Our weight room has been crazy. We have been going in there non-stop. Our coaches are always putting something new on us. They are always pushing us. We are finding out who we are. We look really good.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“My goal is to be MVP of my league. I want to be the MVP. I want the most interceptions on team, I want to lead my team in receiving yards – I want to lead my team in everything this season.”
Ashton, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck at the Nevada camp and with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RecruitingNewsGuru.com; Ashton Thomas
Photo credit: Thomas family; Ashton Thomas at BYU