Ty Thomas came to Arizona State with hopes of early playing time and dreams of continuing a family legacy. The freshman hails from Lubbock, Texas, where he received first team all-state honors from Lone Star Varsity while playing safety at Cooper High school. These days, Thomas, the nephew of seven-time pro bowl selection Zach Thomas, is participating in his first spring practice as an early enrollee. The obvious acclimation process is in full swing these days.

“I definitely need to work on some things,” Thomas confessed. “It’s a big jump from the high school to the college level. I am definitely preparing myself to get ready and do what I need to do. I’m a little out of shape and I have to keep perfecting my craft. This is a whole different level of guys I am working against so I have to keep getting better.”

Thomas is one of five Sun Devil 2017 class commits from the state of Texas. While he has played against elite high school competition last year, he sees the game speed at the this level difference as his biggest aspect to adjust to.

“I definitely think it was smart for me to come early, said Thomas. “I have learned so much in the short amount of time that I have been here. The jump is pretty big but I am trying to do the best that I can.”

As an early enrollee, Thomas began taking classes at ASU in January. While many of his peers are preparing to graduate high school, Thomas is working towards an opportunity to make an impact as a true freshman.

“I am doing well,” Thomas commented. “I am getting the chance to work with the 1’s right now but there are definitely some things I need to improve on. “

Thomas’s uncle, Zach, was a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins and Texas Tech. His father, Bart, was a safety at Texas Tech. While rumored to have opportunity at both positions, Ty appears to be following his father’s footsteps at Arizona State. Thomas is also happy to be receiving instruction from one of the coaches who was recruiting him at Arizona State.

“I have been playing the down (strong) safety,” said Thomas. “They have a spot where they want me. They don’t really have me working as the free (safety spot) they have me sticking with the down safety as of right now.

“I mainly work with coach Rushing. He has been great, staying on me and making sure that I am not slipping up. It’s good to have them keeping me in check.”

A more appropriate comparison for Thomas and his talents may be former Sun Devil safety Jordan Simone, who happened to be at practice today observing his likely protégé for the very first time.

“He actually came up and talked to me,” Thomas remarked. “He was a baller here, so it was cool I have the chance to meet him. He’s a ball hawk and I have an aggressive game like he did. I didn’t get the chance to talk to him too much, but I hope to have the chance to speak with him more.”

As someone who grew up in a football family there is the natural sense pressure to represent the Thomas family legacy on the gridiron. While many athletes may see this as a burden, Thomas seizes this an opportunity to push him even more.

“I have always been pushed,” Thomas admitted. “College ball is a whole different type of pushing, so I still have to adjust. It’s been great, though. I have always had dudes to look up too and dudes that help me on my craft and help me to keep getting better. I think it’s a good type of pressure. I have always pushed myself and to have that, just makes me grind harder.”

As if Thomas needed another reason to be excited for his first season at ASU, he and the Sun Devils will be traveling to his hometown on September 16th to play the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The defensive back grew up attending Red Raider games, and with his obvious family ties to that program the back and forth banter is already in full swing.

“A little bit, yeah. Honestly, a little bit,” said Thomas said laughing. “I am definitely thinking about that game. I hope I can get on the field for it.”

For now, however, Thomas is focused on spring practice and putting himself in a position to not redshirt as he sets outs his spring practice goals.

“Just keep getting better and finding my spot,” Thomas said. “Wherever that is just to help my team out. I am a team player. Wherever they need me, that is where I will be.”

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