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2013 LB Matthew Thomas (Miami, Florida)

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9210

9210

Thunderdome
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Jan 13, 2012
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Has a Miami offer.

[video=youtube;U8R1cjmhjJk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8R1cjmhjJk[/video]
 
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He has some really deceiving burst for a guy with a long stride on his long speed. Should be one of the top pass rushing prospects on our board next year. He can play.
 
Needs to get stronger, obviously, but looks a lot like the Edge guys we've hated to face against FSU and VTech.
 
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Needs to gain weight, but he seems to have the frame to add necessary weight. Good first step put of the three -point stance, showed the ability to sift through trash, and good acceleration when in pursuit. Very good length as a DE. Seems to have more speed than quickness. Has good balance. Needs to hit the weights to increase his upper body strength, lower leg girth and burst and explosion. Showed good play recognition, good lateral pursuit and pass coverage skills in a two-point stance. Versatility is a major plus. Could play WDE/WLB/SLB. Solid tackler.
 
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really like this kid. great athleticism at that size. a couple of years in college he could probably play at 240-250 and still cover pretty well in space.

gotta think that we have a good shot at him
 
Judging by their highlight reels we have a better version already in Rico Williams. Anyone know how he's developing.
 
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sfcane2 said:
Judging by their highlight reels we have a better version already in Rico Williams. Anyone know how he's developing.
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no way! All those highlights are from just 1 of his games as a junior, and he dominated that game as much as a OLB could.
 
sfcane2 said:
Judging by their highlight reels we have a better version already in Rico Williams. Anyone know how he's developing.
Click to expand...

1 game as a sophomore. You aren't going to find another defensive prospect in the nation making that many plays a game, let alone as a sophomore.
 
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Have you seen Rico's reel? There's a reason Butch wanted him as badly as he did. Look at the tape by National- its 4 min 50 sec. He plays TE in it also. Rare athletic ability. Looks like Aldon Smith coming out of HS.
 
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sfcane2 said:
Have you seen Rico's reel? There's a reason Butch wanted him as badly as he did. Look at the tape by National- its 4 min 50 sec. He plays TE in it also. Rare athletic ability. Looks like Aldon Smith coming out of HS.
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its been a while. I saw some tape when he committed. maybe I'll check it out again, but this BTW kid jumps off the screen
 
sfcane2 said:
Judging by their highlight reels we have a better version already in Rico Williams. Anyone know how he's developing.
Click to expand...

I agree that Ricardo Williams will be very good at Miami, I actually just recently watched his Sr. season highlight tape and got more excited about his potential at Miami than I was previously. If he really has added good weight then I expect him to emerge on the scene this season.

BUT, Matthew Thomas is not only a different type of prospect, but he is also an overall superior prospect. Thomas has the balance, instincts and agility of a LB, with the length and burst of a DE. He can play at a variety of positions on a defense and dominate. He will be a 5 star in this recruiting cycle, and for good reason. He is the recruit I probably want Miami to get most in this 2013 class. He is truly a special talent on D, with the ability to do a lot of plus things for a defense.
 
Thomas from a physical standpoint is far more advanced than Williams. At the same point in high school, Thomas is bigger, faster, stronger, and just overall a superior athlete. Thomas is also a FAR FAR better football player than Williams.
 
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