Grizzlies' Thomas one to watch

Fort Smith Northside cornerback Kiondre Thomas impressed the Arkansas coaches last week.

Fort Smith Northside junior cornerback Kiondre Thomas had back-to-back strong performances at the TCU and Arkansas camps and is seeing his stock go up.

Thomas, 6-0, 170 pounds was timed at 4.37 seconds in the 40 yard dash and had a 35 inch vertical along with a 4.35 pro-shuttle at the TCU camp on July 18.

During the Arkansas camp last Thursday, he ran a hand-held time of 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 4.11 in the pro shuttle. Video highlights CLICK HERE

He saw limited action at receiver while playing behind several upperclassmen last year. His playing time at cornerback increased as the season progressed.

“Towards the middle of the year, he was in there quite a bit for us,” Northside Coach Mike Falluer said. “He’s a natural at it.”

Falluer believes Thomas has a bright future.

“I think the sky is the limit,” he said. “I really do. He just has to keep working and learning.”

Thomas isn’t afraid to mix it up with receivers or running backs.

“He’s a very physical kid,” Falluer said. “He doesn’t mind tackling. He probably weighed 150 pounds and now he’s up to 170. He’s really worked hard in the weight room.”

Falluer said Thomas will get touches on offense.

“He’s a good receiver too,” he said. “We’re going to use him there too. We just feel like his future could be on the defensive side.”