Kardell Thomas interview with Lonn Phillips

I like how candid he is.

Thanks for sharing Lonn.

1. TD hates most LSU players
2. TD despises all LSU players who do not meet their expectations.

The biggest thing I took from that was when Kardell said it’s “night and day” difference from the past…as far as player development.

Kardell is a bit different as he really played up the rift in the team when it came to the summer 2020 social justice causes. That context with his lack of body improvement gave people a glimpse into his mindset and work habits. People respect hard workers and don’t respect people who don’t work hard, just a fact of life.

At the 33’ mark you can hear Lonn’s mom vacuuming upstairs. Word has it that at 62’ she is making his favorite meal, pork chops and applesauce.

TD is a great way for these players to test their psychological readiness for the NFL. If you make it past these 3-5 years things don’t get easier. For the rest of your career, you’re going to have to make your play level be above your pay level (this actually applies in every career).

Once these kids started noticing those stars next to their name in high school, and start experiencing “athletic privilege”, they can easily think talent alone will elevate them. College provides a reality check. These guys are playing a game that most fans wish they had the genetic blessings to play at this level. The negative comments are a reflection of fans seeing talent squandered. But a bigger reality check comes after college.

Potential means you still have a lot to work on and much of that is psychological development. They need to read these comments and be able to set them aside. Recognize them for what they are - fan interest. We know your name, and we know your potential on paper. Work to meet, then exceed those expectations.

If you’re reading this Kardell, get your shite together. Talent got you on the team. Learn the techniques and execute them better than the other guys. Then do it consistently. Learn what your teammates are supposed to be doing and encourage them to do it the right way.

I have always felt like Kardell was a good dude that maybe let his recruiting hype get ahead of him. By that I mean I think he believed the hype and thought he'd walk in and start and when he got hurt, he didn't know how to deal with it and he has been playing catch up ever since.

I would love it if he put it together and became the mauler we all thought he'd be in 2022, I just don't think he will win a spot with the influx of talent coming in this year.

He said that he is finally healthy, and the opportunity to play is there. Also, he realizes that this staff is not promising or giving him anything. He has to earn the right to play, and he feels that he has. He says that he will see the field this year. Lastly, his playing weight will be around 328lbs.