Utica’s Rising Star: Isaiah Thomas Shines in Sophomore Season
Utica University has a standout player in Isaiah Thomas, a former Kingston High star. After a remarkable sophomore year, he was named to the Empire 8 Football All-Conference team.
Playing as a middle linebacker, Isaiah recorded 88 tackles, ranking third in the Empire 8 conference. He was just 10 tackles shy of breaking Utica’s single-season record of 98. His stats also include 33 solo tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback pressures, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery.
His strong performance caught attention early on. In the season opener against Washington & Jefferson College, he made 12 tackles, earning a spot on D3football.com’s Team of the Week. Later, he achieved a personal best with 17 tackles in a critical game against Morrisville.
This was Isaiah’s first All-Conference honor, following his recognition as Utica’s Defensive Rookie of the Year last season. During his high school days, he was a first-team Freeman Football All-Star and excelled as both a running back and a linebacker.
In a recent interview, Isaiah reflected on his unexpected journey. “I came into training camp not even fully starting,” he admitted. However, after impressing in preseason, he earned the starting role and quickly established himself as a key player. “That first game really boosted my confidence,” he said, highlighting how preparation and the right mindset contributed to his success.
Utica bounced back after a 5-5 season the year before. Strong starts against nationally-ranked teams set a positive tone, resulting in an impressive 8-3 record. The team showcased resilience, culminating in a hard-fought appearance in the Asa S. Bushnell Bowl.
Isaiah credited much of his improvement to learning the game at a new level. “It became more mental for me,” he said, noting the adjustments he had to make. He emphasized that returning players were determined to improve after last season. “We knew 5-5 wasn’t the goal,” he stated, illustrating the team’s commitment to excellence.
Looking back, Isaiah also acknowledged the foundational lessons learned under Kingston’s former head coach, Quintin Johnson. “Playing both ways in high school made me tougher,” he shared. He recognized the wisdom of his coaches and their impact on his preparation for college football.
Overall, Isaiah’s journey highlights his growth as a player and the team’s evolving culture at Utica. With a strong support system and a determined mindset, he’s excited about what the future holds for him and the program.
For those tracking college football trends, Isaiah Thomas’s rise mirrors a national shift towards recognizing student-athlete contributions on both the field and in academics. As college sports continue to evolve, stories like his remind us of the potential within each player and the impact they can have on their team and community.
Stay updated on the latest in college sports by exploring authoritative sources like NCAA and D3football.com.
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