Interview: Pac-12 Programs Love 4-Star 2021 California OT/DE Thomas Cole
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is easy to put words into the mouths of Pac-12 college football programs when it comes to Class of 2021 offensive tackle Thomas Cole. The 6-7, 255-pound, road-grader has the look, athleticism, and drive to be that cornerstone left tackle for a Power Five football team, and Pac-12 coaches are loving his skills and upside. San Luis Obispo High School used their four-star recruit on both sides of the ball in 2019 seeing Cole chalk up 99 stops, 65 solo, with 31 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, and a forced fumble playing end while earning All-State honors on the offensive side. So far, 18 college football programs have offered with a heavy Pac-12 flavor. As word gets out on Cole’s abilities, expect the rest of college football to jump on this wide-open prospect.
In a first visit with RNG, Cole breaks down his performance on both sides of the ball during his junior season and provides an update on his recruiting options.
Interview
Thomas, you were a beast on the end for the Tigers last season getting right at the 100-tackle mark. What were you doing so well leading to the explosive season on defense?
“I played basketball my entire life, that helps me with my movement. I have taken the next step this year, thanks to working with great coaches. I’ve been working on my hands more and utilizing my wing span to dictate the action. If I can initiate that with my wingspan, that makes a difference.”
How do you feel your overall game improved by the end of last season?
“Confidence. Coming in as an upperclassman, I was bigger, stronger, and faster. My understanding of football grew; I was getting a football mind last season. It was night and day difference from my sophomore year, a big difference.”
What are some of your favorite pass rushing moves?
“I find myself swimming a lot. I’m trying not to be one dimensional with my moves.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on to improve your game?
“On defense, mainly speed. There were a lot of plays that if I was quicker, I could have chased down the quarterback. I could have had 25 sacks last season with more speed. I am doing more sprints this offseason to improve my speed.”
Let’s talk about your game on offense. How did the season go for you as an offensive tackle?
“For the first time playing tackle, I felt it went really well. It was different than playing tight end. You use different footwork and you are going against different guys and body types. I am excited to see where it goes for me at tackle, I feel I can develop into quite the player.”
How did your overall game improve as a tackle last season?
“Finishing plays improved. From my sophomore to junior year, it was there finishing plays. I was taking them to the ground with the final push.”
Going both ways and against the same positions when you flipped the field, how did playing defensive end help you as an offensive tackle?
“I know the technique they are pulling and what they are trying to do. It is high school football; it is pretty one dimensional. You can see the moves they are trying to do and hold them to it.”
Since the season ended what have you been working on with your game as an offensive tackle?
“Mainly footwork. I am still learning the position. Twice a week I am doing field work with a former NFL player. He has a great football mind and is a great guy. He is helping me learn the position.”
What roles on the team will you be taking on during the 2020 season?
“I’m still playing end and offensive tackle. I will try to be on the field as much as possible. I feel like if I cannot handle going both ways in high school, I can’t go one way in college.”
This spring with the quarantine going on, what has been your workout routine to stay in shape?
“I am lifting every day with my dad. I am lucky to have him; he knows what he is doing in the weight room and on the field. I distance run about three to five miles for my mental health. I am trying to get some sprints in that transfer to football more.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“I get random text messages from Duke, Fresno State, and I was in heavy contact with Washington, but they have an offensive tackle commit now. But Coach (Scott) Huff (OL) and I have been on the phone many times.”
How many offers have been dropped thus far?
“Eighteen.”
Cole’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, California, Cal-Poly, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas State, Northern Arizona, Oregon State, Princeton, SMU, UCLA, UNLV, Utah, Washington State, and Yale
At which position are you receiving the majority of your offers?
“Everything is for tackle. You are the only one talk to me about playing defensive end.”
Well, you are a very talented two-way player. Keeping with recruiting, going back the last few months, did you take any unofficial visits?
“I had taken some last year to Oregon State and to UCLA for their spring game and to the Rose Bowl for the Oregon State game. Before the quarantine, I visited Cal.”
Looking ahead, are there any planned visits on the schedule?
“Not yet. We are waiting until the dead period ends. There are some schools I need to check out. I need to see the school first, see the environment, and the game day crowd. There are things you need to see before committing. I want to go on as many visits as possible before I commit.”
Makes complete sense. When your time comes to make a decision on the school that is a fit for you, what criteria will that program need to meet?
“I feel like I have developed so many good relationships with college coaches, some that I really like. This is a full-time job, and they are the boss. It would be great to enjoy those guys you are with every day. Also, the feel for the school. If the school has a good fan base, that is a draw. That improves the game day experience. I am also looking for a cool town with the right fit; that’s what you want.”
Thomas, it was a lot of fun covering all this ground with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you continued success with your position workouts this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Cole family; Thomas Cole and family at Cal and Oregon State