Interview: 2018 Florida 4-Star WR Warren Thompson has a World of Opportunities Ahead
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
There is nothing more comforting for a high school player at any grade classification than knowing that there is at least one collegiate opportunity awaiting. All of the years of hard work put in on the practice field, in games, and in the classroom have helped achieve a goal. For Armwood High School wide receiver and all-around athlete Warren Thompson, his concerns about playing in college have long been put to rest, now all he has to do is pick the school best suited for him.
Thompson busted onto the scene during his sophomore season filling every possible role he could for his Seffner area team. He pulled in 12 passes for 138 yards with a score, carried the rock 18 times for 63 yards with two more touchdowns, and even completed 15-of-30 passes for 263 yards with two additional touchdowns against just one interception. He even returned a kickoff 80 yards all leading to a 14-1 season in 2015 for the Hawks.
The Hawks went 10-2 in 2016 against 6A opposition with their 6-4, 195 pound, standout filling in as needed. Stats through 10 games on offense had Thompson with at least 23 receptions for 349 yards with eight scores. College coaches near and far had seen enough of his potential with 25 offers set in front of him. Some of the many schools with an offer out to Thompson includes Georgia, Penn State, LSU, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Kentucky, Louisville, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Wisconsin, N.C. State, Ole Miss, and South Carolina.
Thompson has already narrowed down the field of 25 thus far to four but is keeping some options open. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Thompson covering his season, his Top 4, and his off-season goals.
Interview
Warren, you played all over the field during your sophomore season. What was that season like for you playing multiple positions on a high achieving team that went 14-1 team?
“I really just tried to do everything they asked me to and at a high level and to their standard. When our starting quarterback was suspended, I had to step it up against Hillsborough (won 38-20). Wide receiver was one of the things I was taking in after switching over to that position during the summer. Playing quarterback was not too much weight on my shoulders. I knew how to do that. The big thing was switching to receiver but I got that down.”
You’ve lined up at quarterback and wide receiver, which is your favorite position?
“Wide receiver.”
Will the Hawks use you at multiple positions during your senior year?
“I will play a little on defense. If not, I will probably stay at wide receiver. If our quarterback goes down, God forbid, I will be happy to play quarterback too.”
Which position will we see you at on defense?
“Safety.”
Are you ready to get some big hits in next year?
“Absolutely.”
Are you going to any camps coming up?
“I’m going to the Opening Regionals and the Under Armour All-American Camp coming up.”
How have you been preparing for the camps?
“I’ve been working in the sand pit to get quicker, lifting weights, and running routes.”
You dropped your Top 4 with Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, and Florida in the mix. Are there any schools that have not offered you yet but are showing interest?
“Clemson, Alabama, and Michigan.”
That’s a pretty big group. How many offers do you have right now?
“One of the recruiting sites has me with 24 offers but I don’t think they have USC on there. I have 25 offers.”
Did you take any visits during the season?
“I went to Florida and Florida State – that was over the summer, and I’ve been to South Florida and Miami.”
From all of those visits, was there anything that you learned about the college game that has stuck with you?
“All the corners at the next level are very smart. They will not fall for everything you do. You have to be precise with your route running. The game is much faster in college.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I’m going to Florida on the 20th, North Carolina in February, and Miami very soon. I’m going back to FSU this month or next month too.”
How did you narrow down all your offers to your Top 4?
“By how they recruited me. Three of those schools are Florida schools, so location. Another thing was their consistency with me. How frequently they contacted me and how they showed me love through the process.”
How will you narrow down your Top 4 to your final choice?
“Who is the most consistent out of those four, how frequently they contact me, and how much they care about me. At the same time I want to make an impact fast at the next level.”
Are you still open to other schools recruiting you even though you have narrowed down your list?
“Yeah and not really. Georgia and Ole Miss I am still considering. If they are not speaking to me consistently I will not stress it too much.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“I made honor roll in the first and second quarters. After the third quarter I should have a 3.0.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“I’m taking the SAT in March.”
Are you playing any winter or spring sports?
“I’m running track.”
Which events?
“The long jump, high jump, and 4×1 relay.”
Warren, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming unofficial visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Tampa Bay Times; No. 5 Warren Thompson looks for extra yards.
Photo credit: hudl.com; Warren Thompson goes up for a pass.
Photo credit: Thompson family; Warren Thompson at Florida.