BUFORD, Ga. — On a frigid spring day, only one thing mattered to Newton running back Adarius Thomas, and that was the ability to compete. 

Thomas, a 2019 running back prospect, did just that Sunday at The Opening, a Nike-sponsored, invite-only camp that calls for the best of the best prep football talent in the nation to compete in various regions for a chance to be called the camp king at the annual national event in Oregon.

He, along with Eastside’s Jamari Brown, got the invite to attend Sunday’s Southeast regional event at Buford High School, although Brown was unable to attend due to an injury sustained in another camp. 

Thomas, however, made the most of his experience, just two weeks after a strong performance at the MVP Camp at Lovejoy. 

The 5-foot-8, 175-pound tailback and defensive back, showed his elusiveness that has made him a camp favorite pretty much anywhere he’s gone.

Last year, Thomas accounted for over 1,000 yards of total offensive, showing off his penchant for making plays as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. 

He proved himself capable of every-down-back behavior when he rushed for 161 yards on 30-plus carries in Newton’s first round Class AAAAAAA state playoff game at Parkview. He’ll likely get the brunt of Newton’s carries in 2018, but also could share some time with emerging ’20 tailback James Hardeman. 

I chatted with Thomas briefly about his experience at The Opening. Check out the above video to hear what Thomas had to say.