Interview: 2017 Arkansas DE BJ Thompson Talks Washington State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Pretty much everything possible is turning up roses for Class of 2017 talent B.J. Thompson. His England High School squad has hammered the competition all year posting a 14-0 record averaging 49 points per contest while limiting the opposition to an astounding 11 points a game. In addition to an outstanding senior season, Thompson is now committed to Washington State.
After the Lions pounced on Earle High School in the fourth round of the playoffs winning 55-22, their defensive end/tight end standout decided to put an end to his recruiting process with a pledge to the Cougars on Sunday, Nov. 27. Thompson posted a statement on Twitter reading:
Thompson has had his offer sheet reach double-digits after hauling in 33 passes for 548 yards with 10 touchdowns during his senior season. On defense, the 6-6, 208 pound, playmaker has been a constant disruption in the backfield throughout the season pulling down 29 ball carriers while coming up with 16.5 tackles for a loss. His 7.5 sacks is a team-high adding a forced fumble and two interceptions to his stat line.
Washington State landed Thompson over offers from Arkansas State, Kansas, Memphis, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, Army, Tulane, Cincinnati, and Central Arkansas. What they are getting in Thompson is a rush end with tremendous upside posting a 4.58 forty-yard dash time over the summer.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Thompson to get the inside scoop on his commitment to the Cougars.
Interview
What influenced you to commit to Washington State on Sunday?
“The opportunity to play in the Pac-12 is an opportunity I could not pass up. I think I will fit right in there in their defense. The other thing was my relationship with the coaches. When they came down in the spring to see me, I knew they really wanted me then.”
How did the commitment take place?
“Coach (Roy) Manning and I were on the phone. I talked to my grandma and dad about it. I went ahead and committed to Washington State.”
What was the reaction of Coach Manning when you committed?
“He was really excited. Like the videos he posts on Twitter. He called their defensive coordinator, Coach (Alex) Grinch, and they were all excited.”
Which position are they recruiting you to play?
“Rush end and outside linebacker.”
When you got on the phone with Coach Manning, did you know you were going to commit then?
“Yes, sir.”
Where you nervous making that call?
“I had been thinking about it for a while, I was a little nervous but I knew that is where I wanted to be. I was confident in my decision.”
Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?
“Yes, sir. I’m jumping on the Washington State bandwagon and helping out if I can.”
Do you have anyone in mind yet?
“Not yet. They have not given me anyone to contact yet.”
When do you take your official visit to WSU?
“I’m going in January.”
Where there any schools that made it difficult for you before committing to Washington State?
“Yes, there were a couple. I wanted to be a part of a winning program. Temple was one and the opportunity to play at Big 12 school like Kansas was another. But playing in the Pac-12, I could not miss that opportunity. They were one win away from winning a Pac-12 championship this season. I think they are my best fit.”
BJ, thanks for your time today and good luck in the next round of the playoffs against Hampton.
“Thank you.”
Washington State Cougars 2017 Verbal Commitment List (17)
CB Sean Harper, 6-1, 170, Holmes C.C., Goodman, MS
CB George Hicks, 5-11, 180, Cajon HS, San Bernardino, CA
CB Zaire Webb, 5-11, 170, Duncan U. Fletcher, Neptune Beach, FL
FS Josh Talbott, 5-10.5, 178, Long Beach Poly, Long Beach, CA
LB Fa’avae Fa’avae, 6-1, 210, Mater Dei HS, Anaheim, CA
DE Preston Hendry, 6-5, 240, Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA
DE Kelle Sanders, 6-5, 215, River Ridge HS, Olympia, WA
DE/TE BJ Thompson, 6-6, 208, England HS, England, AR
DE Joe Tyron, 6-5, 230, Hazen Senior, Renton, WA
OG Quazzel White, 6-2.5, 285, Lincoln HS, Tacoma, WA
OT Alec Kuzmack, 6-5, 285, Eagle HS, Eagle, ID
OT/DE Abraham Lucas, 6-7, 256, Archbishop Murphy, Everett, WA
OT George Moore, 6-7, 308, College of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA
OT Dontae Powell, 6-5, 314, Richland HS, Richland, WA
QB Connor Neville, 6-2, 183, Wilsonville HS, Wilsonville, OR
WR Derrion Grim, 6-0, 195, San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA
WR Anthony White Jr., 6-1, 170, Miami Central HS, Miami, FL
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Photo credit: WholeHogSports.com; No. 1 BJ Thompson on the field.
Photo credit: twicopy.com; No. 1 BJ Thompson shakes a defender for more yards.
We are very thankful to The Lord for the many talents & abilities he blessed my grandson with! Whatever sport he’s playing, he makes it looks so easy to make game changing plays. He plays with his heart as well as his hands, feet & mind. We are very proud and happy for him!! As he stays humble & respectful he will have a wonderful, successful future. All praises to God!!! WASHINGTON STATE here we come!!