WEST ORANGE — Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas knows the time is coming to start getting ready for the 2016 season.

First, though, he had to entertain over 1,000 kids Friday at the Earl Thomas Football Camp at West Orange-Stark High School.

The former Mustangs standout was back home for the camp, which puts youth athletes through drills in front of Thomas, several other NFL stars and former WOS teammates.

“It’s like I never left,” Thomas said of being back home in West Orange. “It is always good to be back at my high school and see all the familiar faces, see my coaches and to even catch up with you guys.”

New Orleans Saints defensive back Kenny Vaccaro, New York Giants safety Landon Collins, Detroit Lions safety Quandre Diggs and Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins joined Thomas at the camp.

Central coaches Roy Locks and Andre Bevil, both who played at WOS, and all-time Mustangs rushing leader DePauldrick Garrett were also there to help.

“I appreciate all the volunteers that make it all happen and they are all so dedicated to helping the kids out,” Thomas said. “What’s even more special is to see those bright-eyed smiles on all the kids’ faces. It’s so worth it just to see that.”

Thomas’ NFL career is one that could see him one day in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He has made five straight Pro Bowls, he is a three-time, first-team All-Pro and was a big part of the Seahawks team that won Super Bowl XLVIII.

He has 506 tackles in his career that started in 2010 when he was the 14th selection out of Texas. Thomas has 21 interceptions, 46 pass deflections, nine forced fumbles and two touchdowns.

The Seahawks are working to get back to the Super Bowl after losing last season to the Carolina Panthers, 31-24, in the divisional round. Seattle had played in the Super Bowl the previous two seasons.

“I have to lose about 10 pounds,” Thomas said about getting ready for the upcoming season. “I am still on the honeymoon stage. Football season is right around the corner. It is time to get back to the grind.”

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Gabriel Pruett: 721-2436. Twitter: @PaNewsGabe