Kansas: Interview with Topeka Class of 2017 Quarterback Corey Thomas
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Topeka High School in Topeka, Kansas had a great season in 2015 as the Trojans raced out to 8-0 record but unfortunately lost their final regular season game, 21-0, to Lawrence Free State and then suffered a heartbreaking loss to Derby in the first round of the playoffs, 52-21.
During the 2015 season, the Trojans scored a whopping 40.1 points a game and look to put similar numbers in 2016 as senior quarterback Corey Thomas will once again lead this team.
During his junior campaign, Thomas put up impressive numbers as he rushed for just under 1,000 yards and threw for just under 1,000 yards. He also had five rushing touchdowns and 11 passing touchdowns.
The 5’10”, 185 pound, playmaker has tremendous athletic ability to use his arm or legs to give his opponents problems on the field. The class of 2017 prospect already has five total college offers and is drawing interest from several schools including Kansas and Kansas State.
Thomas has been working with his receivers and his skills as he prepares for his senior season and reach the goals that he has set for himself and his teammates.
In an exclusive RNG interview, I sat down with Corey to talk about his career at Topeka High School and his recruiting process.
Interview
First off, Corey, what are your thoughts on the 2015 season?
“I thought the season was a great one, we started out on fire (8-0)… (we) definitely could have been more focused and played better on both sides of the ball in the last two games to prevent ending the season earlier than we wanted.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2015?
“I think I played well. I’m always critiquing my play because you can always get better. As an athlete playing QB, I was pleased with rushing for over a 1,000 yards.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“Definitely using my athletic ability, I give a lot of teams problems with them knowing I could take off running at any moment, or even gain an extra blocker with my designed QB runs.”
What are your stats from last season?
“1,037 rushing yards with five rushing touchdowns and 992 passing yards with 11 passing touchdowns.”
Did you receive any individual honors after the season?
“All-City Top 11 Team and honorable mention All-State.”
What camps did you attend this summer?
“Northern Iowa, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri Western, Emporia State, Nebraska.”
Have you gone on any unofficial visits?
“Unofficial to Washburn University and then I have an unofficial scheduled this Friday the 12th to Emporia state.”
Do you have any offers?
“I have three Division-II offers, Emporia State, Washburn, and Central Missouri. I have JUCO offers from Coffeyville and Independence.”
Which schools are showing you interest?
“Pretty much every Division-II school in the area. I’m also receiving interest from Kansas, Kansas State, Northern Iowa, and Illinois State.”
How are you preparing for your senior season?
“I am throwing with my receivers and also working on footwork and speed to help my team in any way possible.”
How does your team look going into the 2016 season?
“We look great. We have some secrets no one knows about who are going to have breakouts seasons. We are a very-very fast team overall and our offense will be a sight to see.”
What game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
“The second game of the year against Junction City – it’s on statewide TV.”
Have you set any team or personal goals for the upcoming season?
“Of course win state but (we’ll) take it game by game. I’ve got to make sure we don’t get ahead of ourselves. My personal goals include 1,500 rushing yards and 1,500 throwing yards! I’m going to get 3,000 all-purpose yards one way or another.”
What is your fastest 40 yard dash time?
“4.54.”
Thank you for your time and good luck this season.
“Thank you sir.”
Photo credit: cjonline.com; No. 3 Corey Thomas eludes a defender.
Photo credit: thstower.com; No. 3 Corey Thomas gets around the end for more yards.