Exclusive interview with NFL prospect, University of Texas CB Duke Thomas

The Bengals secondary from 2015 is not going to be the same as the one we see in 2016.

This is true of every year, but this year there could very well be a lot of turnover. Three of the Bengals' four best defensive backs are free agents, including their most experienced corner. And, potentially their best remaining defensive back, Darqueze Dennard ended the season on Injured/Reserve with a shoulder injury.

Did I mention the defensive backs coach, Vance Joseph, who happens to be one of the best in the NFL, is no longer with the team...well there is that too.

That brings me to today's featured interview. Depending on how free agency shakes out, the Bengals may have to sign or draft up to three players to just field a full squad, but even that won't likely be enough. Even if they bring all their key players back, they will need to add depth to the group and more importantly, some youth.

That's where Duke Thomas comes in. The University of Texas cornerback has played all over the special teams unit and was one of Charlie Strong's most respected players, so you know he is a high character guy. He's been part of some big moments, he has a very high football IQ. Thomas was a four-year player at Texas who started the past three seasons at cornerback, while spending time at nickel as a senior. He also helped return punts and kickoffs for the past three seasons and played in all 51 games over the last four seasons, with 35 starts. Thomas is a two-time honorable mention All-Big 12 honoree (2014-15), 2015 second-team Academic All-Big 12 selection, three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and a prep All-American.

Like many of us, when he is not playing or watching football, he is playing on his XBOX and he is waiting for Chad OchoCinco Johnson to play him in FIFA.

Here's what Thomas has to say about the draft, becoming an NFL player, his college experience and much more.