Interview: Two-Year Starter for Del City Bringing Offers in for 2023 DB Kanijal Thomas
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Experience in any sport for the determined is a must-have, especially in football. For Kanijal Thomas, he got a jump start on his peer group and high school career lining up with Del City High School’s varsity squad during his freshman season and those game reps against some of the best competition in the state of Oklahoma are paying off in a hurry for the Class of 2023 rising star.
Getting after 6A offenses in the Sooner State is no easy task, but Thomas fit right in. The Oklahoma City area product ended his freshman campaign with 43 tackles, 24 solo, with three passes broken up, and one fumble recovery. After an offseason of hard work, the 6-0, 170-pound, defender returned to the Eagles’ secondary putting a stop to 46 plays, 36 solo, with three tackles for a loss, and six passes knocked away during the team’s 10-game schedule. Because of Thomas’ athleticism, more was added to his list of duties on the field including lining up at receiver, kick and punt returner.
The upside and growing skills have caught the eyes of regional college programs with four offers dropped.
Interview
Kanijal, you got a second go-around at the 6A Oklahoma varsity level in 2020 showing improvement across the board while branching into all three phases of the game. From a learning viewpoint, what were some of the lessons taken away from the season that are helping grow your skill level?
One lesson learned is don’t be cocky. When you play football, it is you out there even though it is a team sport. You have to stay ready, even if they don’t target receivers going against you. Another thing I learned is to have confidence on offense; I know I can really do a lot.
The stat line for you on defense shows areas where you started further inserting yourself into the game as a difference maker. Which areas of your game saw the most growth on defense in 2020?
I’d say my coverage. Last year, this is my second year playing defensive back, my cover skills really grew and so did my man coverage.
What roles were you filling in for the Eagles?
At the beginning of the season they started me out at safety, like my freshman year, then they moved me to corner.
What were some of the coverages you guys were executing?
We running Cover 2 and man; mostly man.
In which game did you turn in your top performance?
I’d say my first game going against Booker T.
Why did you choose that game?
It was the first game back; I had like 10 tackles. I was going crazy that game, and I was locking down and hitting. That was a great game for me.
Will we see more of you on offense in 2021?
Yes, for sure. I am playing running back this year instead of receiver.
Are you excited about that change on offense?
Oh, yes sir. I played running back in middle school, but I did not get to play it last year.
How are you preparing this offseason already for those opportunities?
I am getting my hips better and working on becoming more flexible; it is paying off. My coach was telling me in college they run man, but you have to do off-man too; I am working on that this offseason. I am also working on getting bigger in the weight room to be more dominating over receivers. In a game, I want to them to know I am the big dog out there.
What are you doing for speed training this winter and spring?
I run track.
Which events?
The relays, 4×2 and 4×1, the 400, and the open 200.
Sticking with your speed, what is your best-timed run in an event or in the 40?
Last year, going into my sophomore year, it was a 4.4-something. I am not sure of the last digit on my time. I was timed in the 100 during my freshman year, but I am not sure of that time.
Are you playing any other sports besides football and track?
Basketball. We just won a state championship last week.
Very cool. Congrats.
Thank you.
How did the season go for you?
It went pretty good. I did not get that much time on varsity; we have some great players.
Camps are underway. Are there any camps you’ve been to already or any coming up you might attend?
I went to the Under Armour camp last weekend. I was invited to a Rivals Camp and a U.S. National Camp.
The Under Armour camp, how did that go?
It went pretty good, but I could have done a lot better. I was coming straight from a basketball game.
Are there any college camps you may compete at this summer?
I am not sure yet, but I am looking forward to going to some. I want that experience and I want to meet coaches.
Rolling with the college coaches, which programs are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?
I am not sure; my coaches don’t let us know that much. Today, my coach showed me Florida is texting about me.
Are any coaches following you on Twitter?
Yes, sir. I have follows from Oklahoma and Duke.
How many offers are you holding?
Four: Iowa State, Memphis, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech.
Which program was the first to offer you?
Memphis.
When the dead period lifts this summer, are there any visits you may take?
I’d like to visit Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma if I can. I want to visit all the schools that have offered and the schools that are showing interest then.
Kanijal, I enjoyed covering ground with you today on and off the field. Wishing you a successful track and camp season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Thomas family; Kanijal Thomas