Rhiyon Thomas, an eighth grader at John Hayden Johnson Middle School in Washington, D.C., is making a name for himself both in the classroom and on the football field. As a versatile player who excels at free safety and cornerback, Rhiyon's passion for the game and academic dedication set him apart.

Football Journey

Rhiyon plays free safety and cornerback, but his heart lies with the cornerback position. "I'm physical with my hands and fast with my feet, and though I'm short, I hit hard and play with a lot of heart," he says. Rhiyon enjoys the strategic aspect of free safety, where he can see the field and direct his teammates, but it's at cornerback that he truly shines. 

"What I like most about playing cornerback is having fun, engaging in good conversations with the receivers, shaking them up before the snap, and just enjoying the game," he explains. His admiration for Travis Hunter, who plays both sides of the ball, reflects his versatility.

One of Rhyion's most memorable moments on the field came during practice when he intercepted a pass thrown to one of the best receivers on his team. "Somebody threw it low on the ground, and I caught it. That moment gave me confidence and swagger," he recalls.

Preparation and Improvement

Rhyion takes his preparation seriously, both mentally and physically. "I put my head down, listen to music in my headphones, and just get ready for the game," he shares. Despite his young age, Rhyion shows a mature approach to handling pressure and nerves, stating that he doesn't get nervous before big games.

In the off-season, Rhyion has focused on improving his footwork and controlling his weight. His hard work has paid off, and he believes he has made significant progress since last season.

Academic Excellence

Balancing athletics with academics, Rhyion maintains an impressive 3.7 GPA. He credits the supportive teachers at John Hayden Johnson Middle School for helping him stay on track. "They hold you accountable for your work, and you get your grades done, which allows you to play football," he says.

Rhyion's favorite subjects are math and reading, interests nurtured since pre-K by his grandmother. "I've been good at math since I was young. My grandmother taught me a lot, and my mother put me in school early," he explains.

All State Preps will be keeping tabs on Rhyion and his JHJ Middle School football teammates this upcoming season.