Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
Cornerback / FIU
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: 6’0 ½, 192 and 4.48
Alex Khvatov: Where were you training for the NFL Draft?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: At Bommarito’s in North Miami.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall experience at the Scouting Combine.
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: It was an honor. Meeting athletes at the top from all over the country. My group leader was Rod Woodson. It was great meeting him. It was an experience in itself.
Alex Khvatov: How did you perform in Indy? What were your overall results?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: I did pretty solid in the forty. I wanted to run a 4.4. I jumped a 10’7 on the broad. They added a few new drills before the combine.
Alex Khvatov: How do you think you measured up against the other corners?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: I know that I can compete against anyone. I got invited to the combine and the all-star games for a reason. Coming from FIU, people have doubts about you. I proved that I can compete.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback have you received from NFL teams?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Good feedback for the most part. I still have a learning curve. It was my second year ever playing the cornerback position after making the switch from WR. I will continue to learn the position. I need to trust myself.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from the Tropical Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: This is not CFB anymore. It is a business. You are interviewing for a job and trying to stand out. Work hard and perform.
Alex Khvatov: You were a late add to the East/West Shrine game. How did you perform during the week?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: The competition level did go up. I proved myself against the bigger schools like LSU, Clemson and Ohio State. I had a chip on my shoulder going into the week. I had a pretty good week. I got invited to the Combine.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best WR that you went up against at the Shrine game?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: The best WR was Ohio State Binjimen Victor. He was a smooth route runner.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose FIU?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: It was my only offer coming out of high school. I have family down there in Miami. I am originally from Tallahassee, Florida.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Physicality at the line of scrimmage. I am one of the more athletic guys. I can run with receivers. I have the will to win. My mindset separates me. I am trying to be the best version of myself.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Off coverage. I am a bigger, longer corner. I was a press man corner 90% of the time.
Alex Khvatov: How would you sum up your overall career?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Freshman year, I was pretty good. I made freshman all-conference team at WR. I didn’t play my sophomore year. I had a sophomore slump. I made the switch to CB my junior year. I made the honorable all-conference team. Senior year, I was second team all-conference. I wish we would have beaten FAU more. We only had one win against them out of the four years.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like making the switch from WR to CB during your college career?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: The transition was smooth. I trained in the offseason, going into my junior season. I learned pretty fast. My coaches and teammates helped me. The switch happened during the practices leading up to the bowl game against Temple my sophomore year. WR’s were running routes. I stepped in and helped out at CB. I was doing a good job against them. Afterwards, the coaches asked if I would like to make the switch. Being at WR before gave me an advantage. Knowing the splits and the little tips. It made me play a lot faster.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: The win against Miami.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: I didn’t realize how important special teams were. Butch Davis preached that to us. He put an emphasis on it. It showed me a different side of football. Butch Davis was a great coach to have. He turned the program around.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a CB?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Confidence. Never be too high or too low. Stay calm.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Richard Sherman.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: CB Dorian Hall and DB Richard Dames.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Diontae Johnson, WR from Toledo. He is with the Steelers now.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: I enjoy pretty much the rush you get and the crowds. The Miami game was great for a few hours. We jumped in the stands after the win. The whole atmosphere that football gives you.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Video games and watching lots of movies. I especially like the horror movies.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite horror movie?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Friday the 13th.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: I want to pursue criminal profiler with my degree. I want to give back to my community. I also want to start a pop warner league and give back to my community.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Stantley Thomas-Oliver III: Hardworking, trustworthy, funny, determined and believer.
