Seth Thomas
Defensive End / Northern Iowa
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Seth Thomas: In the summer of 2019, I measured in at 6’6 and 265 pounds. The forty-hand time was a 4.8 or 4.9. Right now, I am 265, but I am leaner. I worked on my upper half during training.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Seth Thomas: Right now, I am at the school working with the strength staff. I am finishing up the last semester at the school.
Alex Khvatov: When is the Pro Day?
Seth Thomas: Our pro day is on March 24th at 2pm at Cedar Valley Sports Complex.
Alex Khvatov: What are some of the main goals that you want to accomplish at the Pro Day?
Seth Thomas: I want to be myself and relaxed. I want to do everything to the best of my capability. At the end of the day, it is a business. I want to impress them. I want to show teams who I am and show my talent. All you can do is do your best and keep working hard. My goal is to get picked up and get on a team.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Seth Thomas: Out of high school, I had Holy Cross, Missouri State and South Dakota. I had many schools from the Missouri Valley for full rides. I was getting looks from the Big 10 and Big 12. Bo (Pelini) wanted me to do a camp and followed me around. Then he was let go by Nebraska.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Northern Iowa?
Seth Thomas: They were willing to pull the plug. I felt if I went to an FCS school, I would get noticed a lot more. I saw how the coaches treated my family and myself. My coaches gave me the care as a person when I came on an official visit. Everyone tried to help, and they wanted you to succeed in life and football. My position coach Bryce Paup played in the NFL. He knows what he is talking about. He is like my father. He was always pushing me hard.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Seth Thomas: My build and athleticism. I am very versatile. I played NT, DT, end and dropped into coverage as a backer. I was doing long snapping drills in practice when we were down at the position. I did punt drills as well in practice when we were short-handed at the position. I am strong, versatile and athletic. I was happy to be there. I was learning and trying to improve myself every day.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Seth Thomas: During training, it is all about being more consistent. I am critiquing myself and seeing where I can do better when I watch my film. Getting off blocks, using hands better and understanding the game more. I am also working on drive blocking.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Seth Thomas: I came in at 200 or 205 pounds. I moved well, but I needed to add more weight. I redshirted and put on 40 or 45 pounds. I was lifting, working out and running. My sophomore year, I was the rush end prototype on third downs. I used my speed and agility. I played on all special teams. During my junior and senior year, I was the defensive starter. It went pretty well my junior year at DE. I got comfortable. I dropped back at OLB a little bit. I also had a pick six as a DE. During my senior year, I became the leader of the defense. I got more comfortable.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Seth Thomas: I helped make plays whether it was fourth down stances or sacks. I played against the Iowa tackle who lit up the Combine. I made great plays at DE and blocked field goals. The highlight for me was the brotherhood with my teammates.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Seth Thomas: Working through change, seeing the bigger picture and working towards it. Asking questions and doing my best to replicate it on the field. It is all about the team and working hard towards the ultimate goal.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DL?
Seth Thomas: Being smart and aggressive.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Seth Thomas: I always liked the Chiefs. I was a hometown kid. I grew up and lived there for 18 years.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Seth Thomas: Growing up as a kid, I liked watching old school players. Derrick Thomas and coach Paup. I like Von Miller now. I like watching JJ Watt’s film. I respect the 49ers D-line because they make great plays.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Seth Thomas: We have a lot of young talent on offense. We have WR Isaiah Weston. He is a phenomenal athlete who works hard. QB Will McElvain is working hard at the position. OL Spencer Brown and DL Elerson Smith was the other end who is a speed guy with phenomenal length. He is working on his run game. DT Brawntae Wells is sticking out in practice right now and working his tail off. DB Korby Sander is another guy for next year.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Seth Thomas: Everybody brings something to the table. The Iowa OL group were super smart. They played as a group. Iowa State OL was more finesse and were playing individually. Our league has more aggression from the O-linemen.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Seth Thomas: I like the brotherhood. It is about overcoming adversity. Working and coming back. Making plays and celebrating. There are only a select few of us playing the game at this level. I like the competitiveness.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Seth Thomas: I am always improving on my knowledge. I am a country kid. I am always working with equipment. My dad owns a construction company. He always had tools, and I was always building things as a kid. I like hunting and shooting. In my off time, I work for a buddy at his land. I am working with tools and completing tasks. I also like to work on cars.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Seth Thomas: I have always been around people who know what they are doing. I want to repay back and help in my community. I have an engineering background that will help me in the future. I want to enjoy the good life.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Seth Thomas: Caring, honest, trustworthy, fun and competitive.
