Alabama Recruiting Update: Video of DL Solomon Thomas
Alabama Recruiting Update: Solomon Thomas is ‘a high character guy’
By Dave Friedman
A good television or radio analyst is credible, smart, quick on his feet, and really knows the ins and outs of the game. Frequently, after a player retires, those who are good communicators move to the broadcast booth. Most of the former athletes on TV don’t consider becoming announcers until the twilight of their career on the field. That is not the case for Solomon Thomas. One of the top football recruits in the country, the defensive end from Coppell High School just outside of Dallas, not only likes to play the game, but talk about it too.
“He’s very articulate,” said Coppell coach Joe McBride. “He’s a high character guy who you can trust on and off the field. He’s a great role model. He’s humble and modest but will not be afraid to get in the face of a teammate if he needs to. He’s a great role model.”
At 6’3” and 260 pounds, McBride says that Solomon Thomas has the look and talent to succeed on the gridiron.
“He’s well built, like a skill kid,” said McBride. “He’s extremely athletic, extremely smart, very coachable, and has really taken on a leadership role. He has everything it takes to be a great at whatever he does. On the field he can’t be blocked with one guy. He’s just a dominant player.”
While Solomon Thomas is not expected to make a decision on what college he’ll attend until after his high school season wraps up, his coach believes the choice is relatively simple.
“He wants the best academic situation where they play the best football,” said McBride. “He’s very driven and intelligent. The big goals supersede just football.”
McBride thinks that Thomas’ criteria fit Alabama well.
“They’re impressive,” said McBride. “They fit what he is looking for. They have a stable environment, a great football staff, and great academics.”
McBride, who jokingly refers to Thomas as “Big Cupcake,” has no doubt that his pupil will be a success.
“I think he’s got the gift to be great beyond college,” said McBride. “He has the ability to really excel. He has the whole package. He has what the great ones do.”
If McBride is right, Solomon Thomas has a long future ahead of him playing football. That should keep Gary Danielson’s job secure for awhile.