Justin Dunk
Ticats.ca
During the first 12 games of his CFL career, Carlos Thomas could not manage one interception as a starting half back. In just his second game at safety number four finally got his paws on the football.
With 1:32 on the clock, backup B.C. pivot Jarious Jackson had the Lions offence threatening deep in Hamilton territory, looking to tack on a meaningless touchdown with the game well in the Ticats favour. On the first down play Thomas read where Jackson wanted to go with the football and stepped in front of the pass to thwart B.C.’s scoring bid. At the same time recording his first CFL interception.
“I just got a good read on the quarterback and went with my instincts,” Thomas said after practice on Tuesday. “It felt great and I want more.”
Thomas shifted back to the safety position due to injuries piling up in the secondary, earning his first start as the quarterback of the defence a couple of weeks ago, October, 16 in Montreal.
”Carlos is doing a good job back there, he doesn’t need to get too over confident, but I think the biggest key to his success is he is able to be a communicator,” defensive coordinator Corey Chamblin said.
Thomas has really taken a liking to his new position in the secondary and has embraced the leadership role along with it.
“Carlos was the guy, next to Jason Shivers, who was able to communicate the best and knew the whole defence. So naturally we thought he could do it,” Chamblin said.
The former South Carolina GameCock has made strides in his development as a pro cover man under the tutelage of Chamblin and his no nonsense approach.
“He is going to tell you how it is and he is not going to sugar-coat it for anyone,” Thomas said. “You have some big stars on the defence, but if they mess up, just like a rookie messes up, he’s going to get on them the same way.”
Chamblin always let Thomas know where he stood, even if it was close to the exit. Although, he would never let his players sink or swim on their own.
“He’s going to coach you up to be better, he’s not just going to get on you and then forget about you,” Thomas said.
“I would let him know that he was real close to getting out of here and that I’m looking for someone else if you don’t compete this week. But every time he would step back up and compete and compete and compete,” Chamblin said of his young defensive back.
The first-year coordinator let Thomas know he needed his best at all times. Chamblin wouldn’t let Thomas off easy because he knew what he was capable of if he could just get him to put his best foot forward each time he stepped on the field – game or practice.
“We’re still asking for his best and he gave us his best the other night,” Chamblin said. “I think that’s the best he has played because he knew we needed that energy and he brought it in the secondary.”
The 5-11 195-pound defensive back believes he hasn’t even reached half of his potential in the Canadian game and attributes all of his success to his teacher.
“If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be around,” he said. “I show my appreciation by playing well.”
