Louisiana: Interview with Airline Class of 2016 Running Back Shun’cee Thomas
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Last year the Airline Vikings finished a disappointing 4-7 season and lost in the first round of the playoffs. As the 2015 season was approaching the expectations around this team were rising as the Vikings returned a big group of talented and experienced seniors.
When the season started Airline proved they were no fluke as they opened their schedule winning their first seven games and now stand at 7-2 with one game remaining in the regular season against their rival, Parkway.
One of the reasons for the Vikings success this season is their explosive offense which scores over 37 points a game. Airline has a great leader at quarterback and a mammoth offensive line but the star of their offense is senior running back Shun’cee Thomas.
Thomas has 933 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns through the first nine games of his senior campaign after having 751 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his junior season. The 5’10”, 175 pound, speedster uses his vision, footwork, and power as he runs hard to gain yards for the Vikings on every play.
Thomas attended six college camps this past summer and is currently receiving interest from three colleges. He also currently has one scholarship offer from Harding University in Arkansas.
The senior star currently has a 2.9 GPA and has plans to study business in college.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview I sat down with Shun’cee to talk about his career at Airline and his recruiting process.
Interview
First off, what are the keys to your team’s success this season?
“I think the keys are we all are on the same page. The past two years we had a lot of individuals but this year we are working as a team and staying focus.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance?
“I think I have turned it up a notch and I’m showing a lot more speed and putting in a lot more work with my coach. My season is going great.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My vision helps me a lot, my footwork, and my power and speed to drive my feet during contact.”
The Vikings are on a two-game losing streak after winning your first seven games of the season, does that add any extra pressure on you to beat Parkway?
“There is a little pressure but our team does not like to lose and we want to keep playing our type of football to get off it.”
How are you preparing to face Parkway’s defense in your final game?
“I’m preparing to face them like every team, I want play hard with fierceness and I want to fall forward.”
What’s it like running behind your great offensive line?
“It’s been a great season. I love them so much. Me and my offensive line we have chemistry and we bond together and hang out.”
What college camps did you attend this past summer?
“Northwestern State, Harding, Ole Miss, Baylor, Louisiana Tech, and Incarnate Word.”
Do you have any interest from any schools right now?
“I’ve gotten letters from Missouri and Incarnate Word.”
Do you have any offers?
“Just Harding.”
Have you gone on any visits?
“Just Harding.”
How did that visit go?
“One thing I liked that it’s a Christian school, no matter what they pray before they do everything. They have a strong brotherhood and it felt like home.”
What kind of feedback have you received on your football skills?
“I’m very fast but I need to gain a little weight.”
What do you like most about playing football?
“When I’m running with the ball I just feel free. Football is everything to me. There is nothing else I would rather do.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“God blessed me with my skills and if it wasn’t for Him I couldn’t be doing it. And my parents, Yolonda and Steven Jones, who always support me and my uncle who paid for all my camps.”
What is your current GPA?
“2.9”
What do you plan on studying in college?
“Business.”
Thank you for your time and good luck the rest of the season.
“Thank you sir.”
Photo credit: The Shreveport Times; Shun’cee Thomas
Photo credit: lafootballmagazine.com; Shun’cee Thomas