by Lee Brecheen
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| Derron Thomas |
April 11, 2011 - I was able to track down and interview former East St. John star RB, Derron Thomas, who was one heck of a high school RB and was heavily recruited in a heated battle won by the University of Miami in 2004. Derron was a joy to watch in high school the several times that I saw him in person. Everybody would talk about Ryan Perrilloux at QB, but Derron Thomas is what made the offense so hard to defend because of his ability to run between the tackles and outside. I hope you enjoy this article.
LFM: Derron I found out you were playing football overseas. Tell everyone back home what team you play for and how you ended in up in Croatia.
Thomas: I play for the Zagreb Patriots of Zagreb, Croatia. We play in the AFL (Austrian Football League). I met Roger Kelly on facebook, and he told me about it first. He referred me to European players, so I joined www.europlayers.com and got connected with teams all throughout Europe. I spoke with tons of different teams, but Zagreb caught my eye most and I decided to come here. It’s a good tool for players who are looking to continue playing football after college if they’re not in the NFL, UFL, or CFL.
LFM: What type of league is this compared to the old NFL Europe?
Thomas: The league is a little different than NFL Europe, but similar. Now there are more leagues and teams throughout Europe, and it’s trying to become more popular than it was before. A lot of people are new to football here, but it has potential to keep growing and expanding.
LFM: What is it like to live in Croatia?
Thomas: It’s nice here. Zagreb, Croatia is a beautiful city. Croatia is a beautiful country and has one of the nicest coastal areas in the world. It’s different than home, but everyone here has embraced me and really welcomed me to Europe. I’m really enjoying my time here.
LFM: Are you the only football player from Louisiana on the team or in the league?
Thomas: Yes, I’m the only one in Croatia, but former East St. John and UL Lafayette WR Louis Lee is currently playing in Germany as well.
LFM: How many players are on a team and how many Americans?
Thomas: We have 55 players on our roster. I’m the only American on the team. Our head coach is Canadian and we have 1 Serbian player.
LFM: How many games do you play? When does the season start and when does it end?
Thomas: There are two preseason games, four regular season games, three playoff games if we advance that far, and we will advance that far.
LFM: Do you still have dreams of playing in the NFL one day?
Thomas: Yes, I still have dreams of playing in the NFL. That’s my goal, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there.
LFM: Where else have you played since your college career?
Thomas: I’ve only played here in Europe. This is my first season since I left college.
LFM: I remember when you, Vegas Franklin (DE, Miami), and Kirsten Pittman (DE, LSU) where all on the same team at East St. John. What are they doing now?
Thomas: Vegas is working in Louisiana and Kirsten is living in Atlanta, GA.
LFM: What was your experience like at the U Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, for college football? What years did you play for them as a RB?
Thomas: University of Miami was good overall. Everything didn’t go as I initially planned, but I think that everything happens for a reason, and it will just make my story even better. RB at Miami is a honor and a privilege because you are following the same steps as, Frank Gore from the 49ers, Clinton Portis from Denver, Edgerrin James from the Colts, Willis McGahee from the Ravens, and Jarrett Payton, just to name a few. I played at Miami from 2004 to 2008.
LFM: Derron, do you miss Louisiana?
Thomas: Yeah, I miss Louisiana, but it’s fine because sometimes you have to leave comfortable places to get where you want to go in life. Louisiana will still be there when I get back. I’m loving the experience here in Croatia.
LFM: What do you remember most about your playing days at East St. John High School?
Thomas: Playing with my best friend/cousin Elliott Thomas. People don’t usually get to play with family like I was blessed to do. I most remember the big games I played in, and the long hot 3 pm practices. Playing with guys such as DE Vegas Franklin, DE Kirsten Pittman, QB Ryan Perrilloux, WR Reggie Joseph and all of the other weapons that we had. It was very fun. I miss playing football with that offense and that team.
LFM: Who’s your favorite coach to play for since you picked up a football as a kid and why?
Thomas: My dad Wilbert Thomas was my favorite coach; he coached me from a kid up until high school. He was hard on me but it made me the player that I am today. Second would be my high school head coach Larry Dauterive. Coach Doe was a great offensive coach. He had good schemes and knows how to find weakness in a defense.
LFM: Good luck to you Derron. I remember when you were in our Louisiana Football Magazine few years back.
Thomas: Thanks a lot. I haven’t seen those articles you wrote about me in years. Do you still have those old articles with me?
LFM: Yes, we still have them. You were in many over a three year span.
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