Interview: 2020 California OLB/WDE Thor Reneau Details SMU Mustangs Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: RyanWrightRNG
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Thor Reneau spent his senior season running around the gridiron with Redondo Union High School tracking down Bay League ball carriers running away from him. The 6-3, 215-pound, outside linebacker/end closed out the 2019 season with 45 stops, 20 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries. As a two-way player for the Sea Hawks, Reneau also got short-yardage touches on offense compiling 24 yards off nine carries while also lining up at tight end. During his senior campaign, he connected with the SMU Mustangs coaching staff, albeit late in the recruiting process. The Mustangs staff offered Reneau a preferred walk-on in November capitalizing on that relationship on August 5th with a commitment from Reneau.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Reneau updates us on his recruiting process with the Mustangs and how he became a member of the SMU football program.
*Click link for Jan. 9, 2020, RNG video interview with Thor Reneau
Interview
Thor, congratulations on your commitment to SMU.
Thank you.
Walk us through the recruiting process between you and the SMU staff?
I was sending out tapes to different coaches, I found a coach at SMU that watched my tape from junior year. They invited us out for a game, and we visited. It was late in their recruiting process, they had taken all the positions they wanted that I play. They offered me a preferred walk-on offer and we went from there. They are extremely nice at SMU. Southern hospitality is a real thing.
Yes, it is. During the process, at what point did you start to lean from interested in the Ponies to a heavy lean?
When I changed, it was after visiting the school itself. They have a beautiful campus, some 200 social clubs, and great academics with a great program. That really sold it for me.
You kind of just answered this, but what was it about SMU between the program and the university that became the ideal fit for you?
A lot of my story is about academics. They offer a great split between sports and academics; they understand both are important. What sold it was the whole package. SMU is a well-rounded school, the people are great, and they have amazing coaches.
When did you commit?
When I tweeted it out (Aug. 5). I had been in talks with the team for a while.
At which position are the bringing you onto the roster?
At defensive end/outside linebacker. They play a 3-4, they have rushers they need on the outside.
What have you been doing this offseason to keep in football shape?
I got a personal trainer, he was at Rutgers, Coach Jared. I am there up to three times a week working on my get off and speed. Also, I have some friends that have weight rooms. They allow me to come workout with them.
When do you report to Dallas?
I will be there by the 17th of August. The virus messed everything up; I think they have started with some of their workouts already with players who are already on campus.
Thor, thanks for your time today. Wishing you the best of luck on the next leg of your journey.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Thor Reneau family; Thor Reneau at SMU