Meet Ambry Thomas, Michigan’s big-play DB prospect

If your favorite NFL team is looking for a defensive back prospect who knows how to get his hands on the ball and create big plays, Michigan’s Ambry Thomas should be one of their prime targets in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Thomas recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to opt out of the 2020 college football, how he’s attacking his preparations for next year’s draft, and why he loves talking trash on the field.

JM: What can you tell us about your decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft?

AT: I just felt like there wasn’t enough clarity. We had too many unanswered questions. Why couldn’t the NCAA give us answers? Honestly, I wasn’t impressed with the leadership of the NCAA. They didn’t seem to have any leadership at all.

All of that played a big role in my decision. It was supposed to be my senior season. I couldn’t sit around and wait for them to figure stuff out. I had to stay active. It felt like the right time for me to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL.

JM: What are some areas of your game that you were looking forward to showcasing this season?

AT: I don’t feel like a lot of people have seen me at 100 percent. I didn’t start getting my groove back until midway through last season. I sat out all of training camp. I didn’t come back until our first game. I didn’t start practicing until a few days before our first game.

I thought I had a pretty good season but I definitely need to improve in a few key areas. I don’t think anybody has seen my full potential yet. I’m just excited to showcase that at the next level.

JM: That said, 2019 was still your best season. You made 13 starts, had seven pass break-ups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. You really did improve last season, despite the lack of practice time.

AT: Anybody that knows me knows that I don’t shy away from competition. I’ll never do that. Competition is what fuels me, that’s what gets me going. I love the game of football. It was just a matter of time for me last season. I just had to feel comfortable again. Once I did that, everything went smoothly. Everything started to take care of itself at that point.

Syndication: DetroitFreePress

JM: What’s your favorite part of playing the defensive back position?

AT: I love spending the entire game in a receiver’s face (laughs). That’s my favorite part. I’ll be there all night long.

JM: What was the biggest lesson you learned throughout your time at Michigan?

AT: I feel like the biggest lesson I learned was how to be patient. I had to be really patient, both on and off the field. I had to stay patient. I actually didn’t start playing a lot until my junior season. During my freshmen and sophomore seasons, I felt like the guys in front of me were better prepared mentally than I was. Athletically, we were on the same page. I just had to be patient. I knew my time would come. When it did, I made the most of it.

JM: What was it like playing for Jim Harbaugh?

AT: It was good. He gave me some insight into what things are like at the next level. That’s one of the reasons I came to Michigan in the first place. I wanted to play for a head coach with NFL experience so that when I make that jump, it wouldn’t be a total culture shock for me. I wanted to get myself acclimated with NFL level coaching.

JM: Opting out of the season is allowing you so much time to prepare for the draft. You wouldn’t have this much prep time under normal circumstances. What are the biggest challenges that come with that?

AT: I just have to stay consistent. I can’t let it get to me. I love playing football. I definitely miss that. As I watch everybody else play football, I just can’t let it get to me. Of course I would love to be out there. I hate watching other people play football. I’m trying to stay sane. I’ll be ready when my time comes.

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JM: Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?

AT: That’s a tough question. Overall, I thought Alabama had a great group of receivers. They were solid. I thought Jonathan Taylor was a great running back. He’s with the Indianapolis Colts now. Those guys come to mind.

JM: One of the next big events in your football career will be the NFL Scouting Combine. Are there any drills that you’re looking forward to?

AT: I’m definitely looking forward to running the 40.

JM: Any predictions for your 40 time?

AT: I won’t get into that (laughs). If you know me, you know I’m gonna run fast. If you’ve ever seen me run at any football camp, you know I’m fast. I’ve made a lot of progress since I’ve been in college. Everyone that knows me knows I’m gonna run a fast time. God willing, my legs will be ready. I’m just trying to stay fresh. I’m getting ready for that.

JM: Are there any defensive backs that you particularly enjoy watching tape on? Do you model your game after anybody?

AT: I like Jalen Ramsey, honestly. He knows which receivers can’t handle trash talk (laughs). I love that about him. It’s very difficult to beat him at his own game. He knows how to get into their heads. He’s obviously a very good player from a technical standpoint as well. He gives off a lot of energy. I feel like I have the same type of energy about me.

Syndication: Lansing

JM: Are you a big trash talker yourself?

AT: Sometimes (laughs). Some coaches don’t like it, but it’s a part of the game, in my opinion. It’s passion. It’s just passion. I feel like if I’m talking trash, I can’t allow myself to get beat out there. I have to win the majority of the reps. It fuels me. That’s how I’ve always looked at it.

JM: What’s your best memory of playing at The Big House?

AT: I remember my first game coming off the injury. That was big. I made an interception. That was definitely a special moment for me. To be coming off an injury, to make a big play in front of our home crowd, you’re always gonna remember something like that. It was an exciting moment.

JM: What’s next for Ambry Thomas?

AT: I’m curious to see what’s happening with The Big Ten. They recently reinstated the season. I’m just being patient and taking things day-by-day. If I get another chance, I’m going to pursue my dreams. I’m always looking forward.