Few high school athletes are able to make a significant impact in multiple sports, but Camden Fairview's Martavius Thomas is an exception.
Thomas, a junior, is a star player not just for the Camden Fairview Cardinals football team, but their baseball team as well.
Thomas's explosive speed, high-caliber athleticism and ability to read plays allowed him to be one of the top playmakers in the state in football and baseball during the 2021-2022 season. His leadership on both fields was strong enough to take both the Cardinals' football and baseball teams to the playoffs.
Thomas is the Camden News' boys athlete of the 2021-2022 year.
Thomas was the star quarterback for the Cardinals football team as well as the star shortstop in Cardinals baseball. His playmaking abilities and leadership propelled both teams to the top in the South Arkansas region.
The Cardinals football team finished the 2021 season with an overall record of 10-2 (6-0 in 5A South Conference play) under the leadership of Thomas in his first full year as a starter. In 12 games last season, Thomas completed 176-of-271 of his passes for 3,257 yards, 34 touchdowns, only seven interceptions and a quarterback rating of 135.1. He also rushed for 882 yards and six touchdowns on 114 carries in several RPO schemes.
He had five games last season where he threw for 300 yards or more. In those five games, Thomas threw for at least four touchdowns. His best game of the season came in the 62-3 win over the De Queen Leopards where he threw for 22-of-28 completions for 514 yards, seven touchdowns, one interception and a quarterback rating of 144.3.
Thomas could read his receivers' routes and the potential coverage schemes from the defense efficiently. He was one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the state in terms of throwing the ball over the field to different receivers in versatile routes as well as his ability to run from the pocket for big plays. Thomas earned All-State recognition for his stellar play throughout the season.
While he was one of the talented players in Arkansas on the football field, his first love came on the baseball field. Thomas committed to the University of Arkansas to play for the Razorbacks baseball team during his sophomore season. As a result, there were high expectations for Thomas going into his junior year with the Cardinals baseball team.
Thomas did not disappoint on the diamond as he was one of the most electrifying playmakers in the state of Arkansas this season. He was highly efficient in the batting game by consistently getting on base and scoring runs and through the fielding game where he was consistent in getting key players out. With Thomas's leadership, the Cardinals baseball team finished the 2022 season as one of the top teams in the state with an overall record of 14-10 (10-4 in 4A-8 region play).
In 24 games, Thomas had 70 at-bat appearances where he averaged a batting average of .400, an on-base percentage of .548 and a slugging percentage of .686. He accounted for 28 hits, six double-base hits, four triple-base hits, two home runs, 29 runs, 18 walks, only nine strikeouts and 16 stolen bases.
Thomas's ability to read the pitches and make precise hits made one of the most dangerous batters in the state. To go along with his batting ability, his explosive speed and agility made him a highly efficient base-runner. He was never caught stealing bases in all 24 games this season.
With Thomas finishing out his junior season of football and baseball, he has shown to be one of the top athletes in the state. He is a player that wants to win championships more than individual awards. He will look to accomplish his goal of winning a state title in both sports the upcoming 2022-2023 school year.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Camden Fairview quarterback Martavius Thomas in a pass progression against the Hope Bobcats