Interview: 2021 California WR Thomas Southey Jumps Out with 200-Yard 4-TD Game
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If fans thought seniors in California were not hyped about closing out their high school football career on the field, they have not met the likes of Thomas Southey. Southey balled out during his junior season leading Mira Costa with 70-plus receptions for over 800 yards with 13 trips into the end zone. What was missing personally, and on the recruiting trail, was that last opportunity to shine. After battling through the unknowns of the offseason, the 5-11, 190-pound, target kept working hard leading to a 12-reception, 205-yard, four-touchdown opening game to his senior season. If that wasn’t enough, he also took a handoff and handled kicking duties for the Mustangs.
Covering ground on the 2020 Game 1 showcasing effort, Southey headed over to the RNG Lab for a detailed confab.
Interview
Thomas, you were the leading receiver for the Mustangs during the 2019 season and jumped out in a big way in Game 1 of the 2020 season putting on an exhibition. Do you remember your stat line against St. Francis?
Yes, I had 12 catches for 205 yards with four touchdowns.
For those not in attendance or have not seen the highlight clips yet, what were the four routes you pulled down touchdown passes?
The first one was on a slant in the red zone, it was an easy slant, and the second one was a backside of a scheme. We did a check down hitch; I picked it up ran for 53 yards to the house. The third one was supposed to be an out and up but they tried to jam me. I got off and ran a nice fade for 30 yards. The fourth one was another slant into the end zone.
What offense are you guys running this season?
We run a four-receiver spread. We came into it without our starting quarterback from last year losing Sam Whitney; he went to a prep school thinking we wouldn’t have a senior season. To replace him, we went to our junior quarterback. We also lost a lot of our offensive line. Before the season, we went back and forth on what we will run. We ran an Air Raid last year, and that worked for us on Saturday.
Throughout this extended offseason, what all have you been working on with your game as a receiver?
Over the summer and going back to the start of the quarantine, I worked with Coach Pierce, a speed trainer in South Bay. I have been working with him three to five days a week improving my speed. I am still working out with him. This offseason I was also working out with Armed and Dangerous and Steve Calhoun; I did that a lot over the summer.
When high school football started again, we were working out in cohorts. We did a lot to work on our routes and schemes. That was good for us. When we got the clearance, we worked on everything. That went on until we started in pads. In December, I started working with Coach Griff and Ground Zero. That leveled up my game a lot. Playing against four- and five-star players, that was a mental boost knowing I could play with all those guys. That helped my game out a lot.
How did playing 7v7 this winter go for you?
I went to a camp during the offseason and met Coach Griff. He invited me to play in some tournaments with Ground Zero. We played in Texas and Arizona; it was a great time. That was the first football I had in over a year. I was excited to play. Running against these top defensive backs showed me I could play at the highest levels. It taught me a lot about myself mentally and physically.
You touched on this a minute ago. What were you doing to increase your speed and agility with your trainer and by yourself?
Coach Cass has these phases he puts you through, getting bigger and the fundamentals of speed. I was doing deadlifts, broad jump, a lot of squatting, and a lot of leg workouts. When it comes to speed, it is all about the legs. I have seen a jump in my speed. Before I was running in the 4.65 range, but after six months with him, I was down to a 4.56 laser-timed at camp in the 40. This offseason I did a lot in the weight room and a lot of beach workouts.
Going back to the 2020 season, who do the Mustangs get next on the schedule?
We have Culver City this Friday. We are getting ready for that. Usually, we go over film on Saturday but we played on Saturday. With the rules, there are no practices on Sunday. Regardless, we are ready. It will be a super quick turnaround. I am just happy to be playing after it looked like there was no future for a senior season, then we were in pad and helmets getting ready for the season. We had a great showing in our opening game against St. Francis. We played well and we will be ready for Culver City this Friday.
I want to add how super proud I am of my team and of our quarterback, Case Pavlick. He took over for Sam, that was his first varsity game and he threw for 500 yards with five touchdowns. Going from playing JV to varsity and putting numbers up like that, I am stoked for him.
That is impressive. What goals have you set for yourself for the entirety of the season?
We are scheduled for six games now, but I am not sure if things will change. I want to better myself as a receiver and enjoy my senior season. I am just so grateful to be out there because I didn’t think it would happen. We are super grateful for the season and I am happy to be playing again. I want to put everything I have done this offseason translating it to the games; releases, all of it in my game. This season I want All-Bay League and to be the best receiver and player on the field each time.
With Recruiting, it is tough. I do want to play college football. I have been pursuing that goal since my freshman year. My biggest goal is to get to the next level.
Which programs are showing recruiting interest?
I have a lot of D-III offers. I was talking to some Ivy League schools with a lot of camp invites but that was shut down because of the virus. This offseason I have been reaching out and putting 7v7 film out to coaches. I know I can compete at the D-I level.
Thomas, again, congratulations on the big game turned in on Saturday. Wishing you and the Mustangs great success the rest of the way.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Robert Casillas/Southey family; Thomas Southey