Eagles Draft Profile: Western Kentucky CB Cam Thomas
Jan 17, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; West wide receiver Kasen Williams (2), of Washington, catches the ball as East cornerback Cam Thomas (19), of Western Kentucky, defends during the second half at the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. The East beat the West 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Interview
Western Kentucky cornerback Cam Thomas was nice enough to take some time out of his busy schedule leading up to the draft and answer some questions for Inside the Iggles. Here’s the complete interview with the former Hilltopper as he discusses his preparation for the draft, experience at the East-West Shrine Game and much more.
Q: As a Paterson, New Jersey native that ended up in Western Kentucky, describe your journey up until this point in your career for those that may not know much about you.
A: I came from Paterson, N.J. To Delaware in 2004. I attended two hug schools while living in DE- Brandywine H.S. And Middletown H.S., where we won a state championship in my junior year. I graduated from Middletown H.S in 2009, then attended Milford Academy in upstate New York. While at Milford Academy I started all 13 games where I played cornerback and two games at free saftey. I committed to Western Kentucky University in 2010; I didn’t play my first year because of transferring over. I played from 2011-14. Started 31 games and was elected team captain my junior and senior years. Received All-Conference honors both junior and senior year. My junior year I was ranked nationally for INT’s and PBU’s. Led all cornerbacks in tackles, INT’s, and PBU’s my senior year.
Q: On the field, you seem to pride yourself on toughness and play with a lot of emotion. Where did you get that attitude from and do you think it gives you an edge over your competition?
A: I get my toughness from growing up in Paterson, New Jersey. The area that I grew up in required that kind of swagger and toughness. I also credit all the women in my family that had a hand in raising me with unconditional tough love. My mother was a fierce competitor when she ran track. My two older sisters and female cousin would toughen me up until my mom would intervene and save me. Yes, I use it as an edge to bring the best out of my opponents to make the game more intense and fun to play.
Q: How was your experience at the East-West Shrine Game?
A: It was an honor to be invited to the East-West Shrine game. Secondly, the experience with the Shriners Hospital and the children was amazing and life changing. Thirdly, I got a taste of the NFL; coach Singletary and coach Ramsey really gave me a lot of tips and great feedback about my game and the NFL in general. Lastly, it’s similar to college recruiting in talking to various teams throughout the week.
Q: Did you take in or learn anything specific from the coaches or players around you at the East-West Shrine Game?
A: I definitely learned a lot from the coaches as far as tips on the field and about life and being a man. I always watch other players to see if there is anything I may want to take from their game and tweak it to mine.
Q: What’s next for you following the East-West Shrine Game, did you get an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine? If yes, which part of the combine are you most excited for?
A: I did not receive an invite to the Combine, but I am back in Pensacola, Florida training with the best staff and facilities of EXOS. There I’m continuing to to train for my Pro Day on March 18th.
Q: Moving forward, what would you say are your strengths and weaknesses? How will you improve your game leading up to the draft?
A: My weakness is playing off man coverage only because I’ve been playing press man for most of my career. My strengths are press man and getting my hands on WR’s, I do well reading tendencies to give me an edge to my game, I love to come up and hit; also coming off the edge and blitzing, my strongest point is playing the ball while its in the air. I will continue to improve in the film room but also different interview tips for upcoming meetings.
Q: If you had to compare yourself to a current player in the NFL, who would it be and why?
A: I believe a combination of Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman; reason being Patrick Peterson’s press man abilities and Richard Sherman’s zone coverage abilities and how he plays the ball. Both players know how to read offenses and disguise their coverages.
Q: Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry and safety Malcolm Jenkins are also New Jersey natives. What would it mean to play relatively close to home in the NFL and alongside some other “New Jerseyans”?
A: It would mean a lot to play really close to home because playing in front of friends and family is a dream come true. Playing alongside other “New Jerseyans” would definitely be fun, especially when you’re able to relate to your state and the things you used to do.
Q: The Eagles like to leave their cornerbacks on an island on the outside with little help from the safeties. Do you think you’re capable of playing well in a system like that?
A: I strive in that type of system and that’s where I make majority of my plays. I’ve played in that system the last 4 years of my college career, so I would absolutely love it.
Q: For Eagles’ fans that may not know much about you, please describe the type of player and person you are, what would you bring to the team if they drafted you?
A: Well if you look at my Instagram (19onmyback) or Twitter (Un1versalyKn9wn); you would know exactly the type of player and person I am. The many hash-tags I use aren’t just hash-tags; they are me. “FamilyFirst”, “ItsJustDifferent”, “AllForCadance”, “19OnMyBack”, “ManOfSteel”, “LifeStyle”. Those are what I really live on a daily basis. My family is my motivation and the reason I do everything, I live to be different than anybody else, my child is my life and who I have to feed and take care of. I always wear a “Man of Steel” shirt under my pads and I love the game of football for the life lessons it teaches and also because of the life long brotherhoods I’ve built. I’m a fierce competitor, I talk, dance and always have a smile on my face and I care for my teammates and especially the city I play for.
Next: Conclusion