Wichita Northwest running back Deron Thompson visited Minnesota this past weekend for the Gopher-Wisconsin game. The talented rusher has six scholarship offers and talked to Gopher Hole Sunday evening about the latest on his recruitment.
The Grizzlies finished 5-5 this season, losing to Garden City 40-36 in the playoffs. Thompson finished with 162 carries for 988 yards (6.1 yards per carry) and 17 rushing touchdowns. He had four games of over 100 yards.
Gopher Hole: How was the visit to Minnesota?
Deron Thompson: It was really good. I don’t have anything bad to say about it. It was pretty good.
Gopher Hole: How many official visits have you taken so far?
Deron Thompson: I have only taken one so far, but I have got one in December 7th. If I get an offer, I might take an official there.
Gopher Hole: You have offers from Army, Colorado State, Idaho, Kansas State, Minnesota and Western Michigan. Is that right?
Deron Thompson: That is right.
Gopher Hole: You were 5-5 this season and lost to Garden City in the playoffs. You rushed for nearly 1,000 yards. How pleased were you with your team and individual play this season?
Deron Thompson: As a team, it always could have been better. We could have done better, It just came down to a call or two, a turnover. Individually, I got about 40 or 50 less carries than I had last year. Two or three of those carries could have put me well over 1000. A couple of long runs and I got taken out a lot. I didn’t really have the carries that I did the past couple of years, but I got better. I might not have had the numbers, but I got better in the game.
Gopher Hole: Are you hearing from any other schools besides the six schools that have offered you?
Deron Thompson: I am hearing from Nebraska, and Boise State
Gopher Hole: Have you even thought about when you are going to try to decide on a school? Have you thought that far ahead?
Deron Thompson: Not really. I have thought about just taking some visits and I have thought about that, but that is about it.
Gopher Hole: What have your impressions of Minnesota been in your dealings with them?
Deron Thompson: All I can say is that, I enjoyed the visit. I liked it a lot.
Gopher Hole: Had you been to Minnesota before this visit?
Deron Thompson: Yes. I had an unofficial in March. When I went up there in March, they offered me. This was my second time up there. Nothing changed. People are the same and all that. Everything is cool.
Gopher Hole: What do you see as your strengths as a running back?
Deron Thompson: Just my vision. My speed, of course. I might not be a big 200 something pound back, but I can break tackles and I am kind of slippery. I can block, pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback. I am an all-purpose back. If I had to pick just one thing, I would say that it is my speed. Once you break through, you need that speed to get you to the end zone.
Gopher Hole: What things are you working on to continue to improve yourself as a running back?
Deron Thompson: Just everything and probably the main thing, besides the physical stuff, is the mental aspect. Being smart at the game. Understand the game better, so that the transition is not so bad.
Gopher Hole: Do you even have a favorite schools yet or is it too early for that?
Deron Thompson: It’s too early.
Gopher Hole: How did Minnesota first find out about you?
Deron Thompson: They watched my film after I sent my tape out. They watched and called and said they had seen it and called my school.
Gopher Hole: What is going to be the main factor that makes you pick School A over School B or C?
Deron Thompson: Basically how I am feeling. Comparing it to other schools.
Gopher Hole: What all did you get a chance to see and do while you were here in Minnesota?
Deron Thompson: I got to see everything. The Mall. Downtown. Campus life. It was pretty cool, overall.
Gopher Hole: Have you thought about a possible college major yet?
Deron Thompson: I am liking the Business area, probably Entrepreneurship or something like that. I am not really sure.
Gopher Hole: Are you playing any other sports at Northwest this year?
Deron Thompson: Track and field.
Gopher Hole: What events are you going to be running?
Deron Thompson: The 100 and 200.
Gopher Hole: What is your best 40 time?
Deron Thompson: 4.3.