Interview: 3-Star 2020 ATH Derriun Thompson Showcased His Overall Talents in 2018

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The only people not excited about the play of Derriun Thompson during the 2018 high school football season was opposing Arkansas squads. The Prescott High School standout earned his three-star status after rushing for 963 yards off 119 totes with 15 touchdowns while pulling in 13 passes for 229 yards with another score going up on the big board. On defense, the 6-1, 190-pound, talent put an end to 53 plays with three picks and four passes defended helping the Curly Wolves to a 12-2 season. Early recruiting interest has come in from Vanderbilt, Harvard, and Columbia with new teams checking out the rising talent.

Ahead of Thompson’s upcoming Nike Opening Regional performance, we sat down for a quick one-on-one covering his workouts and busy spring recruiting schedule.

*Click link for Nov. 17, 2018, RNG interview with Derriun Thompson

Interview

Derriun, looking back on your junior season, what are you most proud of with your accomplishments on the field?

“Mainly, I am most proud of my pass catching from last season. I was used in multiple ways in our offense to help my team win games.”

You also roamed the Curly Wolves secondary showing a nose for the ball, how do you feel your game improved overall on defense?

“It got better especially with me coming down the alley to make more tackles. I am a ballhawk, but my tackling improved a lot.”

What about on offense, how did your overall game improve?

“It improved tremendously. I was getting first downs when needed, scoring, and making big plays in big time games.”

What are you working on this offseason with your offensive game?

“I am working on getting faster, bigger, and stronger. I am doing a lot of footwork.”

What about on defense, what are you working on there?

“I am working on my hips and my cover skills. I will play more cornerback this year, I will be ready.”

Are you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?

“Yes, sir. I am playing with Arkansas Elite.”

How is that helping you push your game forward?

“It has been good. We scrimmaged a team out of Memphis not that long ago. In March, we have a tournament in Dallas.”

Nice. Are you competing in any national camps and/or combines this spring?

“Yes, sir. I am going to the Nike Opening Regionals this Sunday. There is an Adidas camp coming up, hopefully I will do well there and make it to Five-Star Challenge.”

What is the goal for you at the Nike camp?

“I want to post a great 40-yard dash time and I want to lock everyone up.”

You are competing at the camp as a defensive back?

“Yes, sir.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Louisiana Tech, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), UCA (Central Arkansas), Memphis, Virginia Tech, and Arkansas State.”

Nice. Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?

“I am planning on visiting TCU on Saturday. Next month I am going to ULM on the 16th and I am going to UCA on April 6th.”

I know you are a track guy, which events are you competing in this season?

“I am competing in the 100, 4×1, long and triple jump.”

Are you geared up for the track season?

“Yes, sir. We have our first meet tomorrow.”

Derriun, great catching up with you today. Good luck at the upcoming camps and with your track meet.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Jeff Williams; No. 32 Derriun Thompson (2018)