2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matt Thomas, DL, Colorado State University

• Name: Matt Thomas
• Position: DL
• College: Colorado State University
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 287 lbs
• X (Twitter): @mattynice85
• Instagram: @mattynice

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My cousin, he ran track for Lehigh and he pushed me athletically I always thought I’d be a basketball or baseball player and then I started watching Vernon Davis, Peanut Tillman, and Lawrence Taylor and I wanted to be a division one football player.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

All the times and experiences I’ve gotten with my teammates and the fellowship and game wise I’d say playing at Rutgers against Nebraska I realized I made it and my freshman year of high school when I knew this was what I was meant to do and my journey was just getting started.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Just trying to reach my full potential as a football player because I feel like I’m still developing and getting on a team at the next level and showing I can contribute and be a difference-maker.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Lawrence Taylor and Aaron Donald, Lawrence Taylor because I want to pick his brain and see what his mentality was like and how he approached the game and I think I have the same mindset he has. And Aaron Donald to pick his brain and see how he watches film because he’s one of the greats and I’ve spent much time studying his game.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mom, is an immigrant and came to this country young and is a single mom and the way she made a village around me and the things she instilled in me and she never misses an opportunity to see me play.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love playing in a 3 down and a 4 down being at 3 different schools I appreciate all schemes and I think I can fit into any scheme. I like the technical aspects of playing in a 3 down and I like the freedom of being in a 4 down but they both offer things I like.

What should we know about Matt Thomas the person?

I’m a hard worker, dedicated, and have an underdog mentality, my work ethic is one of my strengths and I can adapt to adversity.

What stands out about your film the most?

It was just being able to be versatile and play multiple positions and play at a high level like lining up as a 2I and a shade and a 5 tech or lining up as a 3 tech being able to get to the quarterback.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I’ve always faced a lot of adversity throughout my career, from coaching changes, death of family members, or personal battles and I always just stay true to myself and battle and go make my mom proud and trusting that God has a plan for me.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Somebody coming in on day one ready to work and have a positive impact on the team and the culture, to soak up as much knowledge as I can from my teammates and coaches, and always put team needs above my own like I have throughout my career.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love the competitiveness and the fellowship that comes with being a teammate with others from different backgrounds diversifying your mindset being able to inspire others and having the opportunity to pick my coach’s brains.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Mohamed Kamara, James Makszin, Jamree Kromah, Mohamed Kamara is an amazing athlete but has that Michael Jordan mentality. James Makszin and Jamree Kromah because those 2 are just guys who share a similar mindset and being able to work with them and train with them has helped me. And all 3 of them are my brothers.