As I have mentioned, when scheduling interviews with draft prospects, you are never sure what you will get once you start talking to a college football player.
Some players are chatty, some are quiet, and some guys — like Charlie Thomas from Georgia Tech — are all business.
Thomas knows what work he needs to do to get the job done.
He does not bother with Twitter or social media. His focus is to get ready to play football at the next level.
Here is a look at what the NFL combine invitee had to share with me when we spoke.
Pat Schuster: How was the NFL combine experience? How good was it to post the seventh-best 40-yard dash for linebackers at 4.52?
Charlie Thomas: It was a learning experience being down there at an invite-only event. ,
I felt special to have a chance to compete with my peers, learn from NFL coaches and meet with many teams through my time in Indy.
I prepared for the combine with Brent Callaway at EXOS, which showed by the numbers in the drills.
I now look forward to individually meeting with the teams and finishing this process over the next month as we wait for the draft at the end of April.
Pat: According to Georgia Tech's record books, you played 2,457 defensive snaps. What is the first snap you think of?
Charlie: The interception this year against Pittsburgh.
Pat: What is the best advice you've received at this point in your career?
Charlie: Be consistent.
Do not be a leader only sometimes. If you lead, do it daily, by example, or verbally.
Pat: Who was the best player you faced in college?
Charlie: Kenny Pickett.
Pat: What game film should all teams watch from your college career?
Charlie: Virginia Tech in 2022. I had 15 or 16 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Pat: What teammates should we look out for next year?
Charlie: Clayton Powell Lee DB, Donate Smith RB, and Zach Pyron (we call him Andy Dalton).
Pat: You graduated from high school a semester early to enroll at Georgia Tech and were a member of the Honor Society. Academics are important to you. Where did that come from?
Charlie: I was raised with the direction to make something of myself both academically and athletically.
I learned that at an early age, long-term classroom success is even more important than the playing field.
Pat: What are your thoughts on playing safety in nickel packages in the NFL?
Charlie: I would love to play some safety as I started my college career feeling like I could be a safety, so I would like to prove it if the team wanted me to do it.
Pat: What is your experience playing special teams?
Charlie: I played it early in my career and played all different roles. Once I became more established on the defense, I stopped but always enjoyed it.
Pat: Is there any NFL player, past or present, that you model your game after?
Charlie: I love watching tapes of Luke Kuechly and am always interested to see Jalen Ramsey on the field.
Pat: Whom was your most significant influence growing up?
Charlie: My Grandad — before he passed — and my mom.
Pat: What was the most challenging class you took at Georgia Tech?
Charlie: It was an Intro to Business class. It showed how to create, start, launch, and have your own business.
Pat: What advice would you give that player starting a college football career?
Charlie: Try to be the best version of yourself every day.
Pat: Describe yourself in a few words.
Charlie: Intelligent, confident, and leader.
