2017 ATH Ambry Thomas capitalizes off big win

DETROIT - Martin Luther King's offense needed a spark against Warren (Mich.) De La Salle. Down 10-0, and time running out in the third quarter, they needed a big play, and it needed it fast. Coincidentally, junior two-way player, Ambry Thomas, has blazing speed, so why not get him the ball? Which is what sophomore quarterback, El Julian Jordan, did, pitching it to Thomas, who broke a tackle, and out ran a few De La Salle defenders along the sideline for a 50-yard touchdown.

The play inspired the entire King team, who eventually went to defeat the Pilots, 12-10, thanks to Thomas' big play, as well as making a few plays on defense.

"I saw the end zone, and once I bounced off that first tackler, and hit the outside, I knew I was going to score," Thomas said. "Also, I knew I had to score to pick up my team."

King entered the season as the No.1 team in the state, but many had them losing to De La Salle, so much pressure was put on the shoulders of Thomas and his teammates, in front of a rowdy crowd at Wayne State. But big players make big players, and the No.2 ranked junior in the state, came through for his team on the big stage.

"It was crazy all around the crowd," Thomas said on playing in front of a big crowd at Wayne State. "That was the best game I ever played in. That big win let us know where we were as a team."

After the game, Thomas picked up an offer from Arizona State that night, as well as his 19th and 20th offers, from Kentucky and North Carolina, on Tuesday night. The 6-0, 170-pounder has been working on his body, and his speed over the summer, which he had on display over the weekend, breaking tackles, and out running defenders. Still, Thomas thinks he's being underrated as a player, although he has offers from all five power conferences.

"It feels pretty good (to have offers from all over the country), but I still feel like I'm getting slept on out of the bunch of kids in my recruiting class," said Thomas. "But I'm perfectly fine with that. I believe I'm one of the best athletes in the state of Michigan, regardless of class."

With 20 offers, and rising, Thomas has certainly not been overlooked by colleges, who covet his nice blend of size and speed, as well as the ability to play effectively on both sides of the ball at cornerback and wide receiver. Thomas said Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Tennessee are recruiting him the hardest, but with schools continuing to offer him, don't expect a decision anytime soon. The only question surrounding Thomas, is what is he? He is a corner? Or is he a wide out?

Most schools are recruiting him both ways. The Buckeyes, Sun Devils, and Wildcats want him as a defensive back, while the Tar Heels want to use him speed and playmaking skills on offense. Either way, Thomas has transformed himself into an elite athlete, and one of the best in the country. His recruitment has gotten a little hectic as of late, and doesn't seem to be showing signs of slowing down anytime soon, but Thomas still has his eyes on one prize right now.

"I'm not letting it get to my head, and letting it be a distraction," Thomas said of his recruitment. "I still have the one goal that's not accomplished yet, and that's a ring."