Interview: 2018 Tennessee LB Tony Thompson Full of Division-I Impact Potential

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Every defensive coordinator looks for a tone setter on the field. They all want that guy the rest of the team looks up to because he gets it done in practice and on the field coming up with the big plays as needed. A tone setter for Mount Juliet High School with the potential for that crossover success at the collegiate level is Tony Thompson.

If there is such a thing as a grizzled high school football veteran, Thompson is that guy. Midway through his freshman season he got the call to start for the Golden Bears and has handed out bell ringing headaches and grass stains to opposing Tennessee ball carriers ever since. During the 2015 season, Thompson put a stop to 105 plays and then upped his game during his junior campaign with an estimated stat line of 110 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, four sacks, and five picks adding a pick-six to his resume.

The 6-3, 225 pound, standout helped the Golden Bears to a 9-3 season in 2016 with his squad making a two-game run into the 6A playoffs before a very tough 38-35 loss to Ravenwood. How Thompson helped the Mount Juliet squad to a successful season, game tape shows Thompson has a knack for always being around the ball, is a big hitter, and chases down plays going the other way in the backfield with ease. Those abilities have not been lost on college coaches. Thompson already has an offer from Louisville and is picking up interest from Alabama, Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State, and Vanderbilt among others.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, Thompson and I went in-depth on his junior season while covering his recruiting process to date.

Interview

Tony, when did you get the call to start at the varsity level?

“Midway through my freshman season.”

What was your height and weight then?

“I was around 6-1, 210.”

So you’ve been a big guy from the go.

“Yes, sir.”

You were making plays all over the field during your junior season. If you will, give me an overview on how the season went for you.

“During my junior year, I started off with an injury (high ankle sprain) so I was not 100 percent until our third game but I started getting in the flow. On defense, I had a good season. I was happy with the way I played. I focused on my speed and chasing down plays the other way. That is the focus this offseason – my speed.”

You are listed as a strong safety and outside linebacker. Which position is your primary spot?

“My primary spot really is inside linebacker. Depending on the defense I can play outside linebacker too.”

How do you see yourself, safety or linebacker?

“My preferred position is linebacker.”

Will you play on offense during your senior season?

“Coach is probably going to ask me to do so soon. I will do whatever coach asks of me. I will probably play fullback next year but I’m not 100 percent on that.”

What was that pick-six like for you in the moment?

“I never had a pick-six before. I was so hyped I did not know how to celebrate it.”

How did your game improve during the 2016 season?

“I started becoming a better leader. I studied the game more and understood and recognized plays before the snap. Some of the plays on my reel, those tackles for a loss were not called blitzes. I can just read the plays and know what to do. A lot of those tackles for a loss are just off my reads.”

You mentioned speed, what else will you work on during the off-season?

“My speed and really hitting gaps quicker than I am now.”

What are your off-season goals in the weight room?

“To have my maxes increased by 50-75 pounds. I’m working on getting bigger and losing body fat to get tone muscle.”

That sounds like every guy’s New Year’s Day resolution list, mine included.

(Laughs)

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“MTSU (Middle Tennessee State), Memphis, and I just heard something about Kentucky. Alabama, some JUCOs, Utah State, and that is about it.”

Do you have any offers?

“I have one from Louisville. They were the first one to offer.”

How did Louisville offer you?

“I woke up one morning from a call from my coach letting me know. They talked to me later that day and offered me.”

Which coach offered you?

“Pete Nochta (recruiting).”

Did you take any visits during the 2016 season?

“Yes, sir. I went to Louisville, Alabama, and MTSU.”

From all of your visits, was there anything that you learned about college ball or just college in general?

“People in college that look small are really not small at all. I also learned all the hard work you have to put in and how much more you have to learn about your competition. You can’t make mistakes out there on the field.”

Do you have any upcoming visits scheduled?

“I plan on visiting Vanderbilt. I missed a Tennessee visit, I will visit them. I am planning on visiting Alabama and Louisville for their Junior Days.”

I know it is early, but do you know which camps you might attend this spring or summer?

“MTSU, Alabama, Louisville, and Tennessee and a NPA (National Playmakers Academy) camp.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“A 3.0 or 2.9. I’m not sure.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I take the ACT in March.”

Are you playing any other sports for Mount Juliet?

“Basketball.”

How is basketball going?

“It is going pretty good. We will be No. 1 in our district if we win tomorrow (Friday).”

Are you starting?

“Yes, sir. I’m starting the 3 (small forward) and I play the 4 (power forward) and 5 (center).”

How many points are you averaging this season?

“9- to 10-points.”

Last question, back to football. How will the 38-35 playoff loss to Ravenwood make the Golden Bears better next season?

“Looking at that game knowing how close we were to moving on to the next round that will help us stay motivated. That will keep us from being lazy. That showed us anything can mess up your season. You have to take care of the little things on the field to win.”

Tony, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your basketball season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 32 Tony Thompson gets a big hit.

Photo credit: Thompson family; Tony Thompson (right) at MTSU (2016).

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 32 Tony Thompson pre-snap (2016).