Recovering from an October ACL tear, Thompson is questionable for the beginning of training camp. Thompson is a thimble of a football player at 5-foot-7, 192 pounds, but coach Mike Shanahan believes he would have been a first- or second-round pick if not for his injury. That's because of his electric speed. Thompson could eventually make noise as a scat/third-down back, but will most likely be "redshirted" this season.
May 15 - 2:00 PM
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Dangerous runner/receiver combination in the backfield able to make the big play. Comfortable behind a fullback in I-formation, follows off tackle then cuts back inside. Capable swing pass receiver, looks the catch into hands, and utilizes a quick move to make a tackler miss in space. Definitely at his best in the open field. Makes things happen if untouched at the second level, open footwork, and makes tacklers miss with nice burst. Very patient on screen passes but tends to drift to the sideline. If the lane is there, he is a very decisive runner. Gives good effort when attempting to pickup blitzer, dives at inside leg.
WEAKNESSES
Lacks the size to be a bellcow NFL back, and has had problems staying healthy. Carries the ball in the wrong arm too often. First contact usually brings him down, loses footing and upended. Will not always get back to the line of scrimmage when contacted in the backfield. Small and lean frame. Can attempt too many moves in space. Runs like a receiver, striding instead of being efficient with his footwork. Can’t sustain in pass protection or mirror. Takes some really big hits, could be due to his upright stance. Has the most problems when initial line is stopped at the line of scrimmage. Has difficulties creating without some space first.
NFL COMPARISON
Antone Smith
BOTTOM LINE
Two broken vertebrae in his back wasn’t enough to keep Thompson from coming back for his senior year. The diminutive but speedy back led the Seminoles in rushing in 2010 (845 yards, six touchdowns, also 19-155, TD receiving), but struggled with his back throughout his junior season even before suffering the major injury against Wake Forest. If he proves himself healthy enough to take hits after breaking off big runs using his track speed and elusiveness, however, teams will value him as a mid-to-late round chance of pace back with return potential.
