Thomas Rawls: 2011 Michigan Wolverine — Running Back — Profile
Posted at 8:00am — 2/3/2011
Thomas Rawls: 2011 Michigan Wolverine — Running Back — Profile
GBMWolverine readers: Here is a brief overview of recent commitment Thomas Rawls from Flint Northern High School — Flint, Michigan.
GBMWolverine Recruiting Profile for Michigan Commit Thomas Rawls.
Height: 5’10
Weight: 214
Number: 34
Position: Running Back
High School: Flint Northern (Michigan)
Head Coach: Fred Jackson Jr.
Recruiter: Coach Fred Jackson
Rankings: Three Star by most services
40 Time: 4.5-4.6
Class: 2011 Michigan Wolverine Recruiting Class (Signed)
Overview:
Thomas Rawls has always indicated he would like to become a Wolverine. Last week the offer was extended and little doubt remained as to his commitment destination. Thomas has claimed in interviews that his academic situation has improved, time will tell. With the above introduction and scene setting here is a profile on Flint’s tough running back.
Profile:
Thomas Rawls is clearly an underrated running back prospect, one that is well built, has good speed, and runs hard. He is a lunch-bucket runner. Rawls shows a combination of good power and decent speed for a guy in the 210-pound range.
Thomas rushed for almost 1600 yards his senior season and scored 21 touchdowns. He is a good overall athlete with nice measurable. Thomas has a 2.8 GPA in his core subjects and is waiting for his results on an ACT retake.
Strengths:
Thomas keeps his shoulders square running downhill and he is a running back that shows a nice burst if he gets past the initial level of play. Thomas is very quick to the hole, important in any offensive scheme. He runs with authority between the tackles, with excellent pad level and has enough speed to break the contain edge. Although Thomas has not been acclaimed as a receiver, basically taking the ball deep and running the rock, we believe he has the hands to be a factor in the passing game.
His running style and ability is what catches an eye on film. Thomas may not be the best and quickest cutback runner in the nation, but he is pretty good, probably better than many others with more notoriety.
Thomas sees the cutback lane, makes good choices, and has the quick feet to hit the spot at the proper time and place (needs a little work here). Once Thomas reads the block, his choice of cutting is quick (usually accurate) and he gets back to up the field running (north-south) very quickly. Those who want to see a dancer will be disappointed. Those who want to see some old style Michigan running may be very happy. He breaks arm tackles with ease and has the speed to break the big play once past the linebackers. Thomas is built close to the ground and has a nice low center of gravity. His balance is considered good.
Needs Work:
Thomas is a bit raw and does need to improve his footwork. He could also show a little more running discipline by keeping between the hashes until he breaks past the 2nd level. Can he block? We are not sure, there is no film showing him blocking since he mainly takes the ball deep and does his thing.
It will be interesting to see how Thomas reacts with his cuts at the college level. In high school he had enough speed and vision to beat contain. In college he may need to stay inside a little more.
Red-shirt: Red-shirt? This would not hurt, but his status will probably depend on how Cox and Hopkins play.
Thomas Rawls reminds the GBMWolverine Staff of- Edwin Baker of MSU.
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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