The Montana State Thundercats, yes the Thundercats, will take the field together again on Saturday against conference opponent Eastern Washington.
Sophomore cornerbacks Tyrel Thomas and Jalen Cole were given the Thundercats title last year by former MSU defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander. After talking to them, it became clear why the two share the nickname. Both guys are nearly identical in stature, play style and personality.
As Thomas put it, "We are two young cats from the same city, small, physical and rowdy on the field."
You could have told me they were brothers and I would have believed it. When you interact with the Thundercats their energetic personalities are immediately felt.
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Their analogous upbringings fostered similar attitudes and play styles. Both guys possess a scrappy type of play, challenging their opponents to be tougher than them.
Thomas emphasized, "Every time I play I want to show them [the opponent] that I am the best one on the field."
Although both are listed at 5-foot-8, with Thomas 175 pounds and Cole a mere 150 pounds, they aren't afraid to put a hit on someone. Even with the little time I had with them, their passion for the game became clear.
Cole reminded me multiple times, "The games are what I live for." Later on he talked about running into Bobcat Stadium, asserting, "It’s surreal, just because, coming where I come from a lot of people didn’t make it out, so just the fact that I did, I feel like I’m playing for everybody back home. So I have to represent."
Day in and day out these two Bobcats step onto the field motivated to compete.
[credit] Tyrel Thomas and Jalen Cole of Montana State practicing in the snow during the 2018 spring season. (MSU Bobcats Athletics)[/credit]
But before becoming Bobcats, the two had already shared the same team. Thomas and Cole were on the "Bellflower Broncos," their local Pop Warner football team. Although they played on the same team, they didn't know each other well.
Fast forward to high school, the future Bobcats competed against each other in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) prep football division. Better yet, their two high schools, Thomas' St. John Bosco and Cole's Mater Dei, were rivals. When asked about the rivalry Thomas replied,"It was just like Cats versus Griz to me; it’s a game you have to win."
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During their senior years, their high schools fought it out twice. In the first contest, Cole intercepted a pass that sealed the win for his squad. The two met again in the CIF championship where Thomas secured a pick-six to help lead his team to victory.
At the conclusion of the 2016 season, Thomas' and Cole's teams were rated second and third in the nation, respectively. A distinction, both said influences their football careers today. Thomas added to being a top team, saying, "It puts a lot of targets on your head," something he likes.
The two talents play interchangeably at the Bobcats' boundary corner position and will play an important part in Saturday's game. When questioned about his role against Eastern Washington, Cole replied, "I'm going to be as physical as possible."
The Thundercats and the rest of Montana State's defense will have to prove strong to contain the Eagles at Bobcat Stadium. The Cats are looking to pick up their first win against Eastern since 2011, and Montana State's Thundercats will definitely want to be a part of it.
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