Interview: 2021 OL Makilan Thomas Talks Arkansas State Commitment and Football
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There was a big turnaround on the field for Little Rock’s Central High School in 2019 and a lot of that had to do with the anchor on the offensive line in right tackle Makilan Thomas. Thomas took on 7A Central competition helping the Tigers go from a 1-8-1 squad to a tough 6-5 team a year ago. The play for the 6-3, 295-pound, lineman brought in offers from Abilene Christian, Lamar, Northeastern State University, Ouachita Baptist, and Arkansas State. On Thursday, April 16, the recruiting process ended for Thomas with a verbal commitment to Arkansas State.
Covering his commitment to the Red Wolves with an update on his offseason workouts, Thomas sat down for an in-depth RNG Q&A.
Interview
Makilan, before we start talking about your play on the field, I want to congratulate you on your commitment to Arkansas State.
“Thank you.”
How did the recruiting process for you with Arkansas State go from interest, offer, and then to commitment?
“It started with me going to one of their summer camps, after that we kept in touch. During the spring they came to a practice, they basically offered me on the spot after watching the practice. Shortly after that, we took a visit to Jonesboro; that was about two months ago. We toured the facilities, met the players and coaches, and I got a feel for it.”
What was the thing that turned ASU into a dream school for you?
“My offensive line coach, he has gone to Greenwood (High School), he coached there. Seeing how he changed our offensive line and scheme. that was one of the reasons. Jonesboro has always been one of the schools on my list because of their success and head coach. After visiting the campus and meeting all the coaches, I fell in love with it. I thought that would be the best fit for me.”
Backtracking some, your play on the field pushed all this to a dream come true scenario. How did the 2019 season go for you?
“The 2019 season went pretty well. As a team we progressed a lot. In 2018, we were 1-8-1. In 2019, it was a big stepping stone going 6-5. It gave us that boost and the confidence knowing what we had to do. For me it was stepping up helping lead the younger guys. I am teaching them what it is like now to keep this going.”
Where all did you line up on the field for Central last year?
“Last year I lined up at right tackle.”
How did your game improve as both a run and pass blocker?
“It improved dramatically from the 2018 season. I was a rookie in 2018 and did not know much. When my offensive line coach came in that summer, a lot changed. He taught me everything, my kick step got better, my down blocking improved, my initial contact with my hands, and my footwork improved pulling and getting to that second level. In 2019, you can see how I can lock onto defenders, drive, and finish the block. He did that for all our offensive line. I put that into my game plan.”
Are you taking on any new roles or changing positions in 2020?
“I will be playing right tackle again this year.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?
“I have not been able to get out much, working at home I have been working on quicker feet using the ladder. You have to have quick feet. This spring I have also been working on my legs and arms at home.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room over the last few months?
“No. My last max was in 2018. Then, I had 310 on bench, 455 squat, and my clean was 245.”
This summer do you plan to get any extra instruction at college camps?
“I know I will go to the ASU camp again and I will try to get to an Arkansas camp with my family. My cousin wanted me to go last year, but it was on my birthday. Those two camps are the ones I am looking at this summer.”
Besides the camp, when will be your next visit up to Jonesboro?
“I wanted to go to their spring game. If they have one this summer, I will go to it. Whenever this clears up (quarantine), I will go for a visit. I want to see the actual campus and get a feel for the whole university.”
Last question. What have you been doing this spring while stuck at home for fun?
“We have our school work that we have to do online, that is No. 1, then I work out. I do speed work on the ladder, get a quick lift, and do the occasional run; I run a mile or two every day. And play video games.”
Which video game are you playing?
“Call of Duty.”
That and Madden are the most popular ones. Makilan, thanks for your time today and keep up the hard work this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Thomas family; Makilan Thomas Arkansas State commitment