One to Watch Interview with Big Texas 2023 OL Colton Thomasson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All journeys to collegiate gridiron glory start somewhere in high school, and for Class of 2023 offensive lineman Colton Thomasson that path began as a freshman during the 2019 season. The 6-7, 330-pound, rising talent lined up at right guard with Smithson Valley High School colliding against some of the best talent the Lone Star State has donning the pads and shells earning Academic All-District honors. The foundation for what could be was laid a year ago based on God given genetics coupled with emerging technique and strength along with that will to dominate the opposition. The drive to keep improving has stayed strong throughout the offseason with Thomasson giving fans of Texas high school football and college coaches something to look forward to this fall.
In an RNG first-look, Thomasson steps into the RNG Lab for an in-depth conversation.
Interview
Colton, being a freshman playing varsity Texas football cannot be easy. What were some of the things you had to adapt to quickly last season to adjust to the high level of competition?
“The speed, definitely. I went up against some bigger guys, some of the best guys out there. We had an amazing defensive line, they helped me out to get used to it. The speed of the game was the big adjustment. In an eighth-grade game it is laid back. At the varsity level come game time, there are tens of thousands watching; I had to get used to that.”
What style of offense did the Rangers run last season?
“We were a run heavy that passed a little bit out of the shotgun.”
Playing right guard in the scheme, how did your run blocking improve last season?
“My pad level and strength picked up on over the season. In middle school games, I can use my weight to move guys. But going against guys as big and stronger than me, I had to get under them. We had to do chutes every day to work on my pad level. My run blocking improved a lot over the season.”
What about your pass-pro? How did you take that part of your game to another level a year ago?
“We were a run-heavy team, and I was second string. I’d go in to help run the clock out. My pass-pro did improve and I got better getting to my set. I got the guard pass set down as opposed to being at tackle. You have to set wider against the slower but stronger dudes playing guard. In eighth grade, I played tackle with a different set.”
Where will you line up in 2020?
“Right now, I am at right guard and exited to play it.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?
“Improving my pad level, a lot on my speed, getting my feet quicker, and working on my strength. I have muscled up this offseason. A lot of focus has been on hand-placement and how fast I can punch. This offseason I am working to get better as a whole.”
What has been your workout routine this offseason to muscle up, as you mentioned?
“We had a great offseason going, had finished bootcamp, and then COVID hit. They sent us great workouts. I have a bench press at home and set up weighted garbage cans to lift. Once everything loosened up, I had a training place to go to every day. I got a lift in and did position specific drills, and a lot of ladders.”
Is there a player at the collegiate or NFL levels you watch to learn more about the position?
“Back when he was in the game, Joe Thomas. Tristan Wirfs, he is someone I want to be like and, he will be a freshman year at Ohio State this year, Parris Johnson. I want to be aggressive like him. I am striving for that this year.”
Rolling with that, what personal goals have you set for the summer and the 2020 season?
“We have some camps that have opened up, my goal is to break a 5.5 or lower on my 40 at one of these camps. I want to help my team get better and help us go 16-0 and win state; I want to do my part. I want to make All-District this year; that would be awesome.”
Your process is just beginning, but are college programs already showing interest? If so, which ones?
“TCU is showing interest and I have received mail from Michigan.”
Nice. Have you visited any programs yet?
“Yes, I have visited Texas A&M, UT (Texas), and Baylor.”
How did the A&M visit go?
“It was awesome. They take great care of the people who visit. They feed us, we paid for our meal, and we met the coaches. Coach (Josh) Henson (OL) is an amazing guy; I love him. We got to watch the game and had fun.”
And the UT visit?
“That was awesome too. We also paid for our food there, and had some amazing BBQ. We watched the OSU game, that was a close game. We went on the field after, talked to the players and went into the locker room.”
Last one. How did the Baylor visit go?
“That was really cool. We got to see the locker room, went on the field pregame and post-game. I got to talk to Coach (George) Deleone and Coach (Matt) Rhule, who is the head coach at the Panthers now. He did amazing work with that team.”
Whenever the campuses open back up, do you have any visits you’d like to take?
“I would love to go back to all three schools, and to Texas Tech. Both my parents graduated from there. It would be awesome to visit there. I’d also like to visit TCU. Trevon Moehrig (safety) graduated from my high school. Seeing how well he has done up there, I’d love to see their facilities. Any school would be an awesome visit.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“I really like history, history and math. My dad is a math teacher and an offensive line coach.”
That’s great for you on two different levels.
“Yes, sir.”
Last question. What do you love about playing football?
“I love the comradery and the competition. When our head coach asked me to come tryout and work with the team doing strength and conditioning last season, I didn’t know anyone. By the end of the season, I’d do anything for any of them, and still would. I love all the guys we have coming back. I love that we will compete against anyone. 26-6A is a tough district. I love how iron sharpens iron. I love competing against the best defensive linemen out there.”
Colton, thanks for your time today and wishing good luck to you and the rest of the Rangers this summer with your workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Thomasson family; Colton Thomasson at Texas and in the weight room.