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NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Maurice Thomas, WR, Alderson Broaddus University

  • Name: Maurice J Thomas Jr.
  • Height: 5’8
  • Weight: 180lb
  • Position: WR/KR/PR
  • College: Alderson Broaddus University 
  • Twitter: @Mauricee3000
Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?
  •  My hometown is Orlando, Florida. The warm weather is unmatched there’s never not a good time to work. I’ve been to many places and there’s nothing like central FL thus far. The diverse culture, city lights, and competitive football nature is phenomenal.

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice? 

  • First is practice in my experience, you must start with yourself perfecting your craft and fundamentals of the game to be the best player you can. I put it in front of strength and conditioning because many times I’ve witnessed smaller and slower players win with technique. Also put it in front of film because you must know yourself and control what you can before you embrace competition.
  • Second would be the mental aspect of the game being film.
  • Being a student of the game is crucial and knowing your alignment and assignment would put you as a front runner in most situations when you can beat an opponent before the play starts or the lights come on. Preparation is key in all situations.
  • Third being strength and conditioning. Football is a physical and demanding you have to be able to endure and adapt to the demands of the sport. Not just mentally but physically, the weight room builds character.
What do you worry about, and why?
  •  Sometimes I worry about no receiving the proper exposure. Doing what I do and doing it well sometimes isn’t enough. Nobodies hard work wants to go unnoticed. Without the proper exposer I’ve seen guys swept under the rug with a lot of talent.
Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?
  •  I felt like failure hit me right before the end of my high school career. I received my first potential offer from FIU. The coach told me I just needed a 20 on the ACT. The night before the test was grad bash a senior party that I chose to go to and didn’t get back until 4 a.m. I didn’t get enough sleep before the test and got a 19. They offered the next guy from a school a few miles down the road. Everything slipped and I was left with no offers. I never slacked off after that, I graduated with a 3.6 GPA. Made the most of my opportunities at a NAIA school and was offered by a D2 years later. My stats doubled every year and seeing that improvement gives me satisfaction that hard work pays off. 
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
  • My teammates will tell anyone I’m a competitor. I want to win every drill, every practice, and I’m always making everything a competition. I like to challenge myself and everyone around me so we can be at our best when game time comes around. 
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
  •  The best player I ever played against actually played the same side of the ball as me. Corey Contini WR ODU. We watched each other shred the defense back and forth. I respect his work ethic and talents,  and game recognize game.
What would your career be if you couldn’t play football? 
  •  I internship with TNBA and the Orlando Magic. I find joy in coaching younger kids and over the years have built a strong relationship with the players and coaches that I come across from all around the world. I enjoy giving back and whatever advice I could give back to prepare them my players for the future I will.
Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?
  •  If my room is a mess I feel like I can’t function and I love my car so my car is never dirty to begin with. My desk is where I work so I have to clean it to finish my work.
If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?
  •  I believe in my abilities to save everyone no matter the situation. My ability to make split decisions is that of a superhero. Right up there with the FLASH & Spider-Man.
If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?
  •  If I could be a movie character I’d probably be Lucie from the movie Lucie. I’ve always been intrigued with the human brain and if I was able to access 100% of my brain I’d be unstoppable on the field. 
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it? 
  •  Refer to question # 4 it’s the same question lol
What is your most embarrassing moment?
  •  I honestly don’t have any embarrassing moments. I don’t get embarrassed easily, I’ve learned to take jokes and laugh at myself. 
What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?
  •  The most memorable play of my collegiate career was definitely my first touchdown. I was going through some hardships before the game and prayed that my hard work be answered with success. Caught a pass from 50 yards out, stopped on the dime to make a man miss and carried to defenders into the end zone. 
What song best describes your work ethic?
  •  DNA Kendrick Lamar 

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non Physical) to help you succeed at the next level? 
  •  Your determination without a doubt is the most important trait anyone could have. It’s always about how bad you want something to happen or to come true. Falling in love with the process and creating an obsession with game will determine your success.
If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?
  •  My mother’s best friend Pam died of Lupus and it was the first time I’d seen my mom cry. Bringing her back for a day would bring so much joy to my mother and that’s all I ever aspire to do. Her or Jesus. 
If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it? 
  • Club Paradise but that’s ironic because I don’t club and party  
Who is the most overrated player in the NFL? 
  • I think everyone in the NFL got there for a reason and is talented but overrated if I had to choose would be Malcom Butler.  
Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?
  •  Respected, those around me know I work hard and I don’t have to fake who I am for someone to like me. I tend to get along with everyone. What you see is what you get with me. 
What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?
  •  I feel like Chad Johnson’s Career was cut short because of his off the field stunts and acts. He was a phenomenal player but just comes to show your gifts can take you where your character can’t keep you. I believe Chad made a mistake but it cost him a hall of fame spot.

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NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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