Canes fans, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.
Today’s installment of the Recruit Notebook, we look at a player who is arguably the top priority for this entire class: Miami Booker T. Washington LB Matthew Thomas
Part 1: Matthew Thomas, the player
Known simply by his jersey number, 6, Matthew Thomas is an explosive defender who can disrupt offenses even in the face of double teams. He is an elite defender whose production is matched only by his versatility.
Measurables
Thomas is a tall and lean player, standing 6’4” and 210lbs. He has been timed at 4.59 in the 40, more than adequate speed for a linebacker, and showcases great short area quickness. Thomas is a strong player who can physically dominate larger linemen at times, and does well to fight off blocks. Thomas figures to get even bigger as he advances to college, as his frame could easily support another 25-30lbs without sacrificing any of his athleticism.
Thomas has repeatedly said in interviews that he “loves to hit” and that much is very true as soon as you watch him play. Thomas is an impressive looking athlete, but he does more than look the part. He uses all of his physical gifts to constantly impact the game.
Tackling/Run Support
Thomas is a great read and react defender. He seems to love coming forward to fill the hole, and will routinely fight off of blocks to get to the ball carrier. Thomas displays good form on his tackling, driving through the ball carrier and wrapping up.
Thomas is a very disciplined as a tackler, and only goes for strips when the runner is solidly in his grasp, or the grasp of other teammates. Thomas often finds himself near the football, which is something that allows him to impact the game on many plays.
Thomas doesn’t usually deliver “knockout” shots, but he tackles with great strength. Thomas is adept at stopping ball carriers, and will stand them up at the point of impact. As he grows stronger, he will force more of them backwards, and inhibit their ability to fall forward for extra yardage.
Coverage
This is an area of the game where Thomas showcases remarkable skill and incredible performance. For a player who routinely makes tackles behind the line of scrimmage, Thomas is simply not supposed to be as good a coverage player as he is.
Thomas has fluid hips, which enables him to turn and run in coverage easily. He understands his role in pass coverage, and can impact multiple routes/passing windows with his leaping ability and long arms. He runs well, and can keep up with most RBs and TEs in coverage. While Thomas’ interception numbers are low, I think that he has the capabilities to add this to his vast ****nal of skills.
Thomas shows good performance in both man to man and zone coverage. He has a level of comfort in space that is not usually seen by players his size. His coverage skills are very advanced for his position, and enables him to be a 3 down defensive player.
Thomas shows good discipline in his coverage assignments, and also closes on the ball quickly. His hand/body placement technique when defending passes is spectacular, and needs little to no re-teaching or maintenance. In short, Thomas is very polished as a pass defender.
Pass Rushing
Thomas is usually moved down to Defensive End in obvious passing situations, in addition to select other times throughout games. When at this position, Thomas shows a quick first step, and nice burst out of his stance. He uses his hands well, but would need to advance in his technique against more experienced linemen.
If a lineman can get ahold of him, his initial rush is usually shut down. Problem for offenses is that most linemen can’t do anything more than punch at him and hope he slips. Thomas doesn’t have many secondary moves, as this is not his primary position, but his relentless nature and non-stop motor allow him to make plays even if his initial rush attempt is thwarted.
Blitzing
Thomas doesn’t blitz too often, but he shows good timing when asked to do so. Most often, he sits in coverage from whichever Linebacker position he is assigned to on a given play, recognizes that the RB or TE he is covering is staying in to block, then comes on a hard, decisive delayed blitz.
Thomas is at a great advantage throughout the blitz progression, as lineman can’t deal with his athleticism as he gets to the line, and quarterbacks can’t escape him once he’s in the backfield. Thomas has all the physical skills to be a great blitzer, but I’m not sure about his instincts and timing when it comes to blitzing. His success/utilization in this area remains to be seen.
Positional Versatility
Over the course of his High School career, Thomas has played the following positions: DE, OLB, MLB, SS, TE, WR, H-Back, and FB. The sheer fact that he could play them all with nearly equal success should tell you everything you need to know about Thomas’ athleticism.
While I believe Thomas could be successful at any of these positions, his future is definitely on the defensive side of the ball. His coaches have freely rotated him between DE, OLB and MLB this year, and most of last. I think his skill set and style of play are best suited for Outside Linebacker at the next level, and that’s where I anticipate seeing him log most of his snaps.
Much conversation has been made about Mark D'Onofrio needed versatile defenders to make his system work. You don't need to look much further if that's what you're searching for. Thomas is about the best there is.
Part 2: Game Evaluation
While the statistics and narratives of Thomas’ skills are impressive, they pale in comparison to seeing him play the game live. Thomas has produced well on the field, ending each of the last 2 seasons with over 100 tackles and 10+ sacks. The exact numbers are hard to find, but trust me, the kid has made LOTS of plays.
Thomas is rarely out of position. He has very good instincts, and demonstrates good knowledge of opponent’s staple plays and tendencies. Thomas has the responsibility to know each position on the defense, because he lines up in so many different places. He seems confident in his assignments on every play, and uses that confidence to play hard and strong for the whole game.
Thomas frequently faces double teams, and opposing offenses have to account for him on ever snap of the game. Booker T. tries to disrupt schemes by moving Thomas between a number of positions, which I’ve already listed. Thomas’ presence on the field creates mismatches for his teammates, and allows for the defense to employ a variety of schemes, each with equal success.
Thomas takes good angles in pursuit, and can often be found yards down the field, chasing down ball carriers and making tackles. This relentless pursuit is a staple of Thomas’ game, and it is one of the things that has made him such a coveted defender. He refuses to quit on plays, even if a teammate is in position to make a play. He runs effortlessly from sideline to sideline, and is always around the ball.
Earlier, I talked about all the parts and pieces of Thomas’ game. Tackling/Run support. Coverage. Pass Rushing. The thing that makes Thomas so special is that he can switch between any of these deployments at any time, each with elite level performance.
More than anything else, Thomas passes the eye test. I saw him play a few times in the past 2 years (when Booker T. games didn’t conflict with Miramar games), and I was blown away by his aura on the field. The only way I can describe it is as follows: I tried to watch other players, watch the ball, watch something other than Thomas during a given play or drive. I always found myself looking back his way because he just jumps off the field. It’s almost like Pleasantville, where the world is in black, white, and grey, and analog, while Thomas is in vivid 3D Hi-Definition color. In short, he doesn’t look like everybody else on the field.
In a good way.
Thomas plays with a passion and precision that is rarely seen. He Is not a vocal leader, choosing to let his play do his talking. I understand that his team is rife with BCS level college talent, but make no mistake about it: Thomas is THE GUY who makes the Booker T. Washington defense work. From what I’ve seen from him, I see no reason to think that this won’t be the case for the foreseeable future.
Part 3: College Projection
Linebacker is a position that demands a lot from players. They have to be physical going forward against the run, quick and disciplined playing pass coverage, and intelligent enough to recognize what the offense is doing, all without getting suckered by play action. It’s not an easy position, which is why younger players at this position usually find themselves in a rotation or platoon situation.
However, Matthew Thomas isn’t most players.
Thomas is a rare talent, who can play in college from day 1. He’s kind of like the Swiss Army Knife of defenders. He can easily switch functions, and help out in a number of areas.
Perfectly suited for the WILL or Weakside linebacker position, Thomas can be tasked with man to man coverage on his side of the field, or “see ball, get ball” assignments with equal confidence. Over time, he could easily shift to the Strong side or Middle with the addition of size and functional strength to take on blockers. Still, I think Weakside is the best position for Thomas to play.
A player who Thomas compares to is Green Bay Packers OLB Clay Matthews. Both are multifaceted defenders who can cover as effectively as rush the passer. Obviously, comparing a high school player to a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is something that will raise some eyebrows, but I think Thomas can have that kind of impact.
Final Grades
Athleticism – A
Football IQ – B/B+
Tackling/Run Support – A-
Coverage skills – A+
Pass Rushing – B+
Fundamentals and Technique – A
Leadership/Maturity – B+
Physical development – A
Versatility – A++
Potential – A++++
Overall Recruit Grade – A+++++
Thomas is priority number 1 or 1a in this class, depending on your feelings about Alex Collins, who I profiled yesterday. Miami has a lot of returning talent at linebacker (Thurston Armbrister, Eddie Johnson, Denzel Perryman, Gionni Paul, and others), but Thomas is has the talent to be an impact player from day 1, should he choose to come to The U.
As a prospect, Thomas has long been regarded as one of the top players in the class of 2013, and is a high 5 star player. He can not only play a role on any ream from day 1, but he can step in and be a game changer. I do not hesitate saying that because the track record of Thomas’ career supports this statement completely.
I heard a mentor say once that people who were destined for greatness were different than others. They were not made for the ground, but instead made to soar amongst the clouds. It is my belief, and I believe that of Al Golden and the entire Hurricanes coaching staff, that Matthew Thomas wasn’t made for the ground.
I only hope he chooses to soar amongst the clouds in a Hurricanes Jersey.
Today’s installment of the Recruit Notebook, we look at a player who is arguably the top priority for this entire class: Miami Booker T. Washington LB Matthew Thomas
Part 1: Matthew Thomas, the player
Known simply by his jersey number, 6, Matthew Thomas is an explosive defender who can disrupt offenses even in the face of double teams. He is an elite defender whose production is matched only by his versatility.
Measurables
Thomas is a tall and lean player, standing 6’4” and 210lbs. He has been timed at 4.59 in the 40, more than adequate speed for a linebacker, and showcases great short area quickness. Thomas is a strong player who can physically dominate larger linemen at times, and does well to fight off blocks. Thomas figures to get even bigger as he advances to college, as his frame could easily support another 25-30lbs without sacrificing any of his athleticism.
Thomas has repeatedly said in interviews that he “loves to hit” and that much is very true as soon as you watch him play. Thomas is an impressive looking athlete, but he does more than look the part. He uses all of his physical gifts to constantly impact the game.
Tackling/Run Support
Thomas is a great read and react defender. He seems to love coming forward to fill the hole, and will routinely fight off of blocks to get to the ball carrier. Thomas displays good form on his tackling, driving through the ball carrier and wrapping up.
Thomas is a very disciplined as a tackler, and only goes for strips when the runner is solidly in his grasp, or the grasp of other teammates. Thomas often finds himself near the football, which is something that allows him to impact the game on many plays.
Thomas doesn’t usually deliver “knockout” shots, but he tackles with great strength. Thomas is adept at stopping ball carriers, and will stand them up at the point of impact. As he grows stronger, he will force more of them backwards, and inhibit their ability to fall forward for extra yardage.
Coverage
This is an area of the game where Thomas showcases remarkable skill and incredible performance. For a player who routinely makes tackles behind the line of scrimmage, Thomas is simply not supposed to be as good a coverage player as he is.
Thomas has fluid hips, which enables him to turn and run in coverage easily. He understands his role in pass coverage, and can impact multiple routes/passing windows with his leaping ability and long arms. He runs well, and can keep up with most RBs and TEs in coverage. While Thomas’ interception numbers are low, I think that he has the capabilities to add this to his vast ****nal of skills.
Thomas shows good performance in both man to man and zone coverage. He has a level of comfort in space that is not usually seen by players his size. His coverage skills are very advanced for his position, and enables him to be a 3 down defensive player.
Thomas shows good discipline in his coverage assignments, and also closes on the ball quickly. His hand/body placement technique when defending passes is spectacular, and needs little to no re-teaching or maintenance. In short, Thomas is very polished as a pass defender.
Pass Rushing
Thomas is usually moved down to Defensive End in obvious passing situations, in addition to select other times throughout games. When at this position, Thomas shows a quick first step, and nice burst out of his stance. He uses his hands well, but would need to advance in his technique against more experienced linemen.
If a lineman can get ahold of him, his initial rush is usually shut down. Problem for offenses is that most linemen can’t do anything more than punch at him and hope he slips. Thomas doesn’t have many secondary moves, as this is not his primary position, but his relentless nature and non-stop motor allow him to make plays even if his initial rush attempt is thwarted.
Blitzing
Thomas doesn’t blitz too often, but he shows good timing when asked to do so. Most often, he sits in coverage from whichever Linebacker position he is assigned to on a given play, recognizes that the RB or TE he is covering is staying in to block, then comes on a hard, decisive delayed blitz.
Thomas is at a great advantage throughout the blitz progression, as lineman can’t deal with his athleticism as he gets to the line, and quarterbacks can’t escape him once he’s in the backfield. Thomas has all the physical skills to be a great blitzer, but I’m not sure about his instincts and timing when it comes to blitzing. His success/utilization in this area remains to be seen.
Positional Versatility
Over the course of his High School career, Thomas has played the following positions: DE, OLB, MLB, SS, TE, WR, H-Back, and FB. The sheer fact that he could play them all with nearly equal success should tell you everything you need to know about Thomas’ athleticism.
While I believe Thomas could be successful at any of these positions, his future is definitely on the defensive side of the ball. His coaches have freely rotated him between DE, OLB and MLB this year, and most of last. I think his skill set and style of play are best suited for Outside Linebacker at the next level, and that’s where I anticipate seeing him log most of his snaps.
Much conversation has been made about Mark D'Onofrio needed versatile defenders to make his system work. You don't need to look much further if that's what you're searching for. Thomas is about the best there is.
Part 2: Game Evaluation
While the statistics and narratives of Thomas’ skills are impressive, they pale in comparison to seeing him play the game live. Thomas has produced well on the field, ending each of the last 2 seasons with over 100 tackles and 10+ sacks. The exact numbers are hard to find, but trust me, the kid has made LOTS of plays.
Thomas is rarely out of position. He has very good instincts, and demonstrates good knowledge of opponent’s staple plays and tendencies. Thomas has the responsibility to know each position on the defense, because he lines up in so many different places. He seems confident in his assignments on every play, and uses that confidence to play hard and strong for the whole game.
Thomas frequently faces double teams, and opposing offenses have to account for him on ever snap of the game. Booker T. tries to disrupt schemes by moving Thomas between a number of positions, which I’ve already listed. Thomas’ presence on the field creates mismatches for his teammates, and allows for the defense to employ a variety of schemes, each with equal success.
Thomas takes good angles in pursuit, and can often be found yards down the field, chasing down ball carriers and making tackles. This relentless pursuit is a staple of Thomas’ game, and it is one of the things that has made him such a coveted defender. He refuses to quit on plays, even if a teammate is in position to make a play. He runs effortlessly from sideline to sideline, and is always around the ball.
Earlier, I talked about all the parts and pieces of Thomas’ game. Tackling/Run support. Coverage. Pass Rushing. The thing that makes Thomas so special is that he can switch between any of these deployments at any time, each with elite level performance.
More than anything else, Thomas passes the eye test. I saw him play a few times in the past 2 years (when Booker T. games didn’t conflict with Miramar games), and I was blown away by his aura on the field. The only way I can describe it is as follows: I tried to watch other players, watch the ball, watch something other than Thomas during a given play or drive. I always found myself looking back his way because he just jumps off the field. It’s almost like Pleasantville, where the world is in black, white, and grey, and analog, while Thomas is in vivid 3D Hi-Definition color. In short, he doesn’t look like everybody else on the field.
In a good way.
Thomas plays with a passion and precision that is rarely seen. He Is not a vocal leader, choosing to let his play do his talking. I understand that his team is rife with BCS level college talent, but make no mistake about it: Thomas is THE GUY who makes the Booker T. Washington defense work. From what I’ve seen from him, I see no reason to think that this won’t be the case for the foreseeable future.
Part 3: College Projection
Linebacker is a position that demands a lot from players. They have to be physical going forward against the run, quick and disciplined playing pass coverage, and intelligent enough to recognize what the offense is doing, all without getting suckered by play action. It’s not an easy position, which is why younger players at this position usually find themselves in a rotation or platoon situation.
However, Matthew Thomas isn’t most players.
Thomas is a rare talent, who can play in college from day 1. He’s kind of like the Swiss Army Knife of defenders. He can easily switch functions, and help out in a number of areas.
Perfectly suited for the WILL or Weakside linebacker position, Thomas can be tasked with man to man coverage on his side of the field, or “see ball, get ball” assignments with equal confidence. Over time, he could easily shift to the Strong side or Middle with the addition of size and functional strength to take on blockers. Still, I think Weakside is the best position for Thomas to play.
A player who Thomas compares to is Green Bay Packers OLB Clay Matthews. Both are multifaceted defenders who can cover as effectively as rush the passer. Obviously, comparing a high school player to a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is something that will raise some eyebrows, but I think Thomas can have that kind of impact.
Final Grades
Athleticism – A
Football IQ – B/B+
Tackling/Run Support – A-
Coverage skills – A+
Pass Rushing – B+
Fundamentals and Technique – A
Leadership/Maturity – B+
Physical development – A
Versatility – A++
Potential – A++++
Overall Recruit Grade – A+++++
Thomas is priority number 1 or 1a in this class, depending on your feelings about Alex Collins, who I profiled yesterday. Miami has a lot of returning talent at linebacker (Thurston Armbrister, Eddie Johnson, Denzel Perryman, Gionni Paul, and others), but Thomas is has the talent to be an impact player from day 1, should he choose to come to The U.
As a prospect, Thomas has long been regarded as one of the top players in the class of 2013, and is a high 5 star player. He can not only play a role on any ream from day 1, but he can step in and be a game changer. I do not hesitate saying that because the track record of Thomas’ career supports this statement completely.
I heard a mentor say once that people who were destined for greatness were different than others. They were not made for the ground, but instead made to soar amongst the clouds. It is my belief, and I believe that of Al Golden and the entire Hurricanes coaching staff, that Matthew Thomas wasn’t made for the ground.
I only hope he chooses to soar amongst the clouds in a Hurricanes Jersey.
