AFL Q&A: Clevan Thomas
Published on May 7, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
San Jose defensive specialist CLEVAN THOMAS, now in his second season, has played a key role in the SaberCats' 10-4 overall record and No. 3 position in the playoff seedings. Despite missing two games due to injury, Thomas leads the League in missed field goal returns (11), missed field goal return yards (236), interceptions (11), interception return yards (177), interception return touchdowns (3) and passes defended (27). He also ranks among the League leaders in kick returns (56), kick return yards (1121) and kick return touchdowns (3).
Thomas is currently on pace (14) to break the AFL's record for most interceptions in a season of 12 currently tied between DAMEON PORTER (Chicago, 2001) and TRACEY PERKINS (Tampa Bay, 1997). He is also on pace to tie for third for the League's all-time record for most combined kick returns in a season (89) with Detroit's RON CARPENTER and LAMONT COOPER (Milwaukee, 2000), and to rank sixth for most yards returned in a season with (1,809).
Thomas began his Arena Football career with the SaberCats in 2002 after his four-year letter-winning performance as a cornerback at Florida State University (1997-2001), where he won a national championship in 2000. Following an outstanding rookie season with the SaberCats, Thomas was named the 2002 Rookie of the Year, 2002 ADT Defensive Player of the Year and named to the 2002 All-Rookie team. He also ranked second overall for most return touchdowns in a rookie season (7) and fourth overall for most yards returned in a rookie season with (1,497).
This Sunday's contest between the No. 3 seeded San Jose and No.1 seeded Tampa Bay will put the AFL's top scoring offense (San Jose) against the League's No. 1 scoring defense (Tampa Bay). Tampa Bay leads the eight-year series 4-1 in the regular season. Thomas and the defending ArenaBowl champion San Jose SaberCats will be playing for a first-round bye and the chance to either tie or take the lead in the Western Division this Sunday on NBC at 3p.m. ET.
Q: What keeps you focused in the game of arena football?
A: Just focusing on playing for the love of God.
Q: Now in your second season, do you think you have mastered the game of Arena Football?
A: No. I haven't even played two seasons. There are a lot of years left. No, I can't say that.
Q: What type of influence has Head Coach DARREN ARBET had on you and your game?
A: Attacking the game. Not only that, he gave me an opportunity. A year and a half ago, the Arena Football League had never heard of me.
Q: What do you think will be the key to defending your ArenaBowl Championship title?
A: If our team can stay healthy.
Q: To date, what is the most memorable moment in your AFL career?
A: My first day of practice. I was trying to adjust to the game.
Q: What team and player is the toughest you have faced in your AFL career?
A: Our offense and receivers in practice because they are so good. It's hard to go against the same guys at 8 a.m. everyday. Game time is easy for me because the crowds are so incredible and they help get the adrenaline flowing.
Q: Growing up, which football player did you pretend to be?
A: I didn't really pretend to be anyone in particular; I just liked all cornerbacks who played man-to-man coverage. I really respect those guys.
Q: Do you have any superstitions or pregame rituals?
A: Before every game, I write some scriptures from the Bible on my wrist. While I'm playing they help keep me humble so I can focus on playing with a level head.
Q: Who is the toughest receiver on another team you've gone against?
A: CHRIS HORN of Arizona â he's a little guy and he gets lost in the crowd sometimes. GREG HOPKINS of Los Angeles â he's just tough.
Q: What has been the most difficult arena for you to play in?
A: Arizona or Dallas. The crowds get into the game and their team. They are very loud. I think Arizona has some of the best hecklers.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 7, 2003
- Playoff Implications in Tampa - AFL I
- AFL Q&A: Clevan Thomas - AFL I
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- Adopt-A-School Program Kicks Off - Carolina Cobras
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- Buffalo Destroyers Game Notes - Buffalo Destroyers
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