Interview: Louisiana 2022 WR Marlon Thomas has the Foundation for Great Things
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As is the case with most underclassmen, we, the fans of high school football, get a glimpse of a rising talent’s abilities and then apply the “what ifs.” With Marlon Thomas, it appears he has set the foundation to become an amazing play-maker with Scotlandville High School. Now it is up to him to push those raw talents to the next level this offseason.
The sample size for Thomas’ work during the 2019 season is small, but there is a lot of detail in the production. The Baton Rouge area talent hauled in 10 passes for the Hornets covering 214 yards with three touchdowns, but the upside is in the game footage. Not only is the 6-0, 183-pound, target fast, but he is also strong capable of breaking tackles then outrunning the secondary to the house. Unlike many receivers in his class, he catches the pigskin cleanly with his hands worrying first about the catch before turning up-field to make that move. The other thing he has going for him above most of his peers is his route running. Double-moves are not easy to run correctly, yet Thomas has it going getting corners and safeties to bite on his route.
After playing two games at corner last season, coming away with one pick, Thomas is adding a starting role in the Hornets’ secondary next season along with returning kicks to help further showcase his game-changing potential to college programs beyond the schools like Southern University, Purdue, and Mississippi State who are already showing interest.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising Louisiana prospect to learn more about his game and his offseason workout program.
Interview
Marlon, I am excited to talk to you today about your skills on the field. I’d like to start off with your route running, more specifically that wicked double-move you put on a cat last season for a touchdown fooling both the corner and safety over top. How did the route-running part of your game transform last season?
“By working on it every day in practice. We did a lot of route building, that helped a lot.”
What were some of the other routes you were running within the scheme?
“Last season, I ran a lot of hitches, some posts and slants.”
Another aspect to your game I like is that you catch with your hands. What exercises or drills do you do to improve your catching and hand strength?
“I work with tennis balls and do hand-eye coordination drills. I also use a weighted football to make catching a regular football easy.”
When looking at the opposing secondary pre-snap, what were some of the coverages you were seeing and going up against?
“A lot of Cover 2.”
Was there a challenge you faced last season on the field that helped push your understanding and/or talents forward?
“Working against fast corners, having to double-move them really helped me.”
Are you taking on any new roles next season?
“Yes, sir. I am playing corner and I will be returning kicks.”
Are you excited about playing corner in 2020?
“Yes, sir.”
Which parts of your game are you working on this offseason?
“I’m working on getting faster and improving my hands. Expect a lot from me this upcoming season. You’ll see me in the end zone much more.”
Which 7v7 travel team are you playing with this spring?
“F3 Elite.”
Are you competing in any other sports for Scotlandville?
“Track.”
Which events?
“The high jump.”
What is your personal best in the high jump?
“6-feet.”
Marlon, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Scotlandville HS; No. 11 Marlon Thomas
Photo credit: F3 Elite 7v7; Marlon Thomas touchdown