Interview: 2020 Arkansas Talent Santiair Thomas is a Gamechanger at Safety
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When constructing a defense, a dominating end, middle linebacker, and corner are typically the top three positions coordinators want filled first. An end can influence the opposition’s passing attack, a linebacker can stuff the run up the middle, and a corner can shutdown a side of the field against the pass. All three positions are important, but a dominating safety is equally as important and one could argue has a bigger impact in the game shutting down passing attacks, ground games, and helps receivers grow alligator arms across the middle. That thought process gives credence to how important Class of 2020 safety/athlete Santiair Thomas could be to a collegiate program.
For opposing high school offenses watching game film on Thomas, it had to be something akin to watching a horror movie. Thomas is big, fast, athletic, and can lower the boom; all you can do is hope to avoid him. The 6-4, 186-pound, defender roamed the gridiron for Hot Springs High School in 2018 striking fear with 96 tackles, eight passes broken up, and an amazing eight interceptions. He also filled in for the Trojans on offense at quarterback as a dual-threat. But, defense is where he shines most earning All-Conference and All-State honors. Surprisingly, Thomas is still flying under the radar on the recruiting trail – for now.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of Arkansas’ top unknown talents in the 2020 class for an overview on his game as a defender and look inside his offseason workout goals.
Interview
Santiair, you are a true athlete out there doing as much as you can for your team. Unfair question because you do well on offense and defense, but which side of the ball do you like playing more?
“I like playing defense.”
Your game as a safety really came together in 2018. What was working well for you during your junior year allowing you to be so productive?
“My coaches helped me develop as a safety. My experience and knowledge helped me. I got better at learning how to read the quarterback. My open-field tackling improved a lot.”
What was it like getting to guide the Trojans offense in 2018?
“It was nice. I was nervous. I knew if I did it, I would be able to help the team. That is all I wanted to do.”
How did you prepare to play quarterback for last season?
“The last time I played quarterback was in the ninth grade, I used my experience from then to get ready.”
What are you working on this offseason as a defender?
“I am working on my game as a safety. I am working on my footwork, opening up my hips, my coverage, and reading QBs better.”
It may be too early to know now, but where all might you play for the Trojans during your senior year?
“Safety, maybe some rover as an outside linebacker-extra safety in the box. I don’t think I will be playing offense my senior year.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?
“Yes, sir. I am playing with Arkansas Elite.”
How will playing with Arkansas Elite help push your game forward?
“The practices alone will help. They have a lot of talent on the team, that should make me better going up against them.”
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Hot Springs?
“Yes, sir. I am playing basketball now and I will run track.”
How is the basketball season going?
“We are doing great right now.”
What are you averaging out on the court?
“I am averaging about 15 points and 10 rebounds a game.”
Nice. Santiair, thanks for your time today and good luck with the 7v7 and basketball seasons.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Aaron Brewer; Santiair Thomas in action