PLAYER PROFILE: OLI THOMAS
We asked former U19 HB and D2 Championship MVP, Oli Thomas some questions about his transition from other sports to American Football to find out some challenges he faced, any skills that transferred over and what makes the sport so unique.
Oli made the successful switch from Hockey to become a Championship MVP.
What inspired you to transition from your previous sport to American football with the Northants Knights?
As a field hockey player I wanted a change from my sport in the offseason and coming from a prior rugby background this allowed me to almost get the best of both worlds playing the style of sports I like all year round. Playing hockey during the winter season and American football during the summer.
How has your experience in your previous sport helped you adapt to the unique challenges of American football?
Coming from a rugby background when I was younger I quickly regained all my habitual skills and transitioned smoothly into the skill set required for American football. Playing running back was great for me and allowed me to develop my skill set, as an individual, even further
Can you share some of the key differences you've noticed between your previous sport and American football, both in terms of gameplay and training?
The main difference between playing field hockey and American football would be the equipment used and field hockey is a non-contact sport. This didn’t impact me too much and having come back to playing field hockey after my experience at Northants Knights I feel this has developed my game even further. Mostly from the attitude and mindset they lay throughout.
What position did you play in your previous sport, and how does it compare to the position you currently play in American football?
In field hockey I am an attacking centre mid and playing rugby when I was younger I was a scrum half and fly half, all very attacking positions. So playing running back really felt at home for me and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, with rugby being more comparable to American football as an evasion game, I was able to use a lot of the skills I learned from my younger years of playing rugby.
Did you face any initial challenges when learning the rules and strategies of American football? How did you overcome them?
The initial challenge was learning the rules of the sport, like beginning any new sport this is always going to be a challenge but the coaches provided me with all the guidance I needed and I quickly overcame this. Another is a change in environment, but the lads were all incredibly welcoming and I felt I slotted into the squad spontaneously.
Are there any skills or techniques from your previous sport that you find particularly useful in American football?
My ball-carrying position when running the ball playing rugby. Jukes, handoffs, etc were other skills that crossed over when trying to avoid defenders.
How has the team camaraderie and atmosphere with the Northants Knights compared to your previous sports experiences?
The knights are one big family whether that is the junior section transitioning to the adult team, everyone is happy to help everyone which helps us all reach our common goal. I feel that without this my progression in the sport would not have been the same without it. The coaches are impeccable in their willingness to spend time giving feedback 1-on-1.
Could you describe a memorable moment or game that made you feel proud of your decision to switch to American football?
My proudest moment on the field was winning the U19 D2 national finals with the lads and made me proud of how far we had come and accomplished on the way to that win. A lot of hard work went into getting to where we were and that winning feeling of when it all comes together is not comparable.
What advice would you give to other athletes considering a transition to American football with the Northants Knights or a similar team?
No matter what sport you play now, or even if you don’t play a sport, the American football community at Northants is next to none, they are hardworking, friendly, and dedicated to their craft and I’m proud to say I had the chance to play with them all.
In your opinion, what makes American football with the Northants Knights a unique and exciting sport to be a part of?
The comradery and drive to win is what made playing at the Knights a great experience, it’s one of the reasons I drove an hour each way there and back every Sunday just to be a part of the squad at training and matches. Because sometimes you have to make sacrifices to be able to train in the best environment around. American football is such an exciting sport with the tactics behind it and I feel it is a unique sport with the amount of set plays for a team both on offense and defense.
This off-season we will continue to highlight young athletes and their stories.