First Step Although he doesn’t possess the most dynamic first step, Cameron Thomas gets off the ball in a hurry and causes havoc in the backfield, while timing the snap count. Playing with low pad level, Thomas has no wasted movements out of his stance and is always quick to get hip to hip with opposing tackles, while using his arm length to shield off offensive lineman. Not a twitchy athlete but gets the job done.
Bend: Adequate bend is the best way to describe Cam Thomas. He doesn’t have the most flexible ankles while turning the corner on pass rush situations but shows a change of direction ability to make plays after turning the corner. Shows better bend defending the run and chasing down plays from the backside more so than being a bendy edge rusher.
Hand Usage: One of the best aspects of his game, Thomas is a terrific hand fighter and resets his hands quickly. Because of his background as a NT, Thomas knows how to shock, use push/pull move and disengage from offensive lineman. Uses the cross chop as well, and his go to move has become the speed to power, transitioning into swim move. He knows what to do with his hands and doesn’t waste time trying to win with just pure speed or athleticism.
Pass Rush Plan: As mentioned above, it’s a very basic pass rush plan that Thomas employs. Speed to power is a big one, along with the swim move but outside of those, not many moves are in his toolbox. Needs to continue to develop other go-to moves to keep offensive linemen off balance.
Motor/Effort/Physicality: Unrelenting effort from Cameron Thomas on every single snap. He never leaves any doubt about his effort on a snap to snap basis, often chasing plays from behind. His most impressive play was covering 20+ yards of ground to loop around and sack Carson Strong from Nevada. Very physical player who doesn’t hesitate to mix it up and has versatility to play along the entire defensive line .
Lateral Mobility: Above average athleticism allows Thomas to move well moving down the line of scrimmage and on perimeter. Makes several plays in small spaces utilizing his change of direction.
Run Defense/ Anchor: Very strong run defender that uses his length and technique to make plays in the backfield. Stacks and sheds blockers at a high clip and doesn’t get knocked back off the ball. Holds his ground, very adept at locking out and locating the football.
Athletic Ability: There are some athletic flashes but overall wouldn’t say he’s an overwhelming twitchy athlete. Motor leads to him making plays but he has a little more polish than you would expect from a player with slightly above average athleticism.
Strength: A fairly strong athlete, Thomas handles double teams well and holds his ground. Plays with a solid pad level that allows him to get underneath offensive lineman. Doesn’t predicate his effectiveness on his play strength but isn’t a knock on his game either.
Versatility: Played everywhere from NT, to a 1-shade as well as a 3 and 5 tech in San Diego State’s 3-3-5 defense. Has the ability to be effective in the interior and on the edge, especially with his hand usage.
Summary: A breakout star and the Mountain West Defensive player of the year, Cameron Thomas has vines for arm and is one of the most versatile ‘EDGE’ players in this class, more so due to his background. Starting off at nose guard in 2019 in his redshirt freshman season, Thomas has taken a step in his development each season, putting it all together in his final season with the Aztecs. Excelling in hand usage, having a relentless motor and being productive in both running and passing scenarios will allow Thomas to translate as a three down player, who projects best as a 4-3 defensive end. Playing in a scheme that will allow him to kick inside on some passing downs to utilize his first step quickness and relentless motor to get after the quarterback. While he must continue to add mass to his frame, play stronger at the point of attack and diversify his pass rush plan, Thomas has the skillset to be an early rotational player for an NFL team, and a long time starter with his versatility.
Filed By: Devin Jackson, MAC/Mountain West Area Scout
Twitter: @RealD_Jackson
