2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Grady Thomas, OL, Hampton University

• Name: Grady Thomas
• Position: OL
• College: Hampton University (transfer from Western Carolina)
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 320 lbs
• Instagram: @Grady_Thomas52

1.What were your favorite things about playing football for Western Carolina and what are you looking forward to with Hampton?

My favorite thing about playing for Western was being able to see my mom in the stands watching me. That’s my favorite thing about football in general. I look forward to a fresh start at Hampton the coaches there are excited to play me and overall I’m just excited for the opportunity.

2.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I think that I was always driven by my grandmother but instead of being a great football player I wanted to be a great person. So I made that my goal in life in general. I want to be a great person that just happened to be great at football. She always stressed the importance of character.

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

I’m really, really aggressive. But I like to think of my self as a really savvy football player as well so I balance the two. But if I had to use one word to describe myself I would say mean. 

4.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Without question Tom Brady he emphasizes winning at all cost the way he trains, studies, sleeps, and it screams win. 

5.What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

The biggest difference between me and other linemen would be my versatility. I can and have played every position along the offensive line including tight end.

6.What is your favorite workout?

Bench press is my favorite because I’ve always found it soothing.

7.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

If you can be disciplined, play hard, and play fast you can find a lot of success in this game. 

8.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of my favorite memories are starting and playing against Alabama. I played pretty much every position on the line that game and that game really gave me a lot of confidence in myself. Another great memory I have would be winning a state championship in high school. Lastly, when I decided to leave WCU and join the Hampton family, that moment will always be special to me. 

9.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

The biggest energy I bring would be my leadership. I’m a humbled man but I’ve played a lot of football and I know that I am really good at what I do so I take those assets to the field and the locker room. 

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get my all and that’s all I have to offer. I know that my character lines up with everything that I have been taught. Guys like Coach Matthew Love, Coach Anton Gist, Coach Kevin Coleman, and even Coach Prunty have all preached and put an emphasis on character. As far as the field is concerned everything is as it should be. 

11.What role do you hope to have if you make it into the NFL?

I believe I could be a key contributor. I just feel like I have the discipline for it and it’s all I have dreamed about since I was 9 years old. 

12.What are your biggest traits on the football field?

My biggest traits would be my work ethic, and knowledge of the game.