Tennessee Football: Interview with Kirby 2021 RB Charles Thomas
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Memphis’ Kirby High School had a solid 2019 season as the Cougars finished 8-3 averaging over 33 points a game on offense. One of the key weapons in this explosive offense was junior running back Charles Thomas.
The 5’10”, 177-pound, speedster ran for 839 yards and 13 touchdowns in just six games while averaging 14.6 yards per carry. Thomas possesses great speed and athleticism to break through the line of scrimmage and can turn on the jets running around the edge of the defense towards the end zone.
This class of 2021 is currently receiving interest from numerous colleges and it’s only a matter of time before his recruiting process truly explodes. Also, not only does Thomas excel on the football field but on the basketball court as well playing point guard. He currently holds 3.8 GPA in the classroom.
Interview
Charles, how would you grade your individual performance last year and why?
“I’ll grade my performance last year with a B-plus. As a team, we were basically a guaranteed first round team which is a 11-game season and I only played six of them and put up big-time numbers such as 839 yards and 13 touchdowns. I was ranked fourth in rushing yards per carry with 14.6 yards, I was ranked seventh in rushing yards per game with 138.5 yards, and I also had two four-touchdown games.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths where really my speed and vision, so basically I was smart and fast. I knew exactly when to hit holes or the edge. In other words, I outsmarted the linebackers and defensive backs I was facing.”
What was your most memorable moment in your junior season?
“Last year my most memorable moment was my first game back, the third game of the season. I came in and put my team on my back with four touchdowns off seven carries for 229 rushing yards and I caught four passes for 109 yards.”
What was the biggest challenge that you faced last year?
“Mostly my biggest challenge was being the “key” player of the game because it brought a whole team’s focus on just me.”
How did you overcome this challenge?
“I overcame it by continuing to play my game and, like I said earlier, the team I came from it was more than just me. We had a team full of dogs, so basically my team helped me out a lot on that.”
What is your practice schedule like during the offseason?
“Due to the virus, I run a lot.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“Basically, I’m working on my speed the most and my jump cutting.”
What do you like the most about playing running back?
“Playing running back, I really like juking the most because I like when the game is fun. I add a little sauce you know.”
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“A mixture between Le’veon Bell and Ezekiel Elliott.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“A 4.4.”
Which schools are showing you interest at this time?
“Lyon College, University of Puget Sound, Grand View University and Ave Maria University.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“I play point guard on the basketball team.”
What is your GPA?
“3.8.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“I’ll say history, because I’m the type of person that wants to know about the society we are living in.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“I’ll say my parents and my high school coaches, cause they let me know every day how important it is to keep my head on the right path and how good of a football player I am and what I can do with the game if I take it serious.”
What do you like the most about playing at Kirby High School?
“I like the team chemistry because we all get along and coaches and players have bonds.”
Thank you for your time.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: The Daily Memphian; Kirby RB Charles Thomas