Interview: 2020 CB/WR Damion Thompson put California Offenses and Defenses on Notice in 2017

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When push comes to shove, there doesn’t seem to be much more Damion Thompson could have done during his sophomore season. On offense, he pulled in 25 passes for 509 yards with five scores carrying a 20.4 yard per catch average. On defense, he was a true standout at corner racking up 31 tackles with seven passes broken up while snagging eight picks on the way to Valle Vista League Defensive Player of the Year honors for Northview High School. As one might expect, now the interest is starting to come to the 5-11, 155 pound, rising star.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Covina, California, area prospect covering his sophomore campaign, offseason workouts, and budding recruiting interest.

Interview

Damion, how did you prepare for the 2017 season over the summer for your role on offense and defense?

“When I first got to Northview, I was going to play receiver, but then they started playing me at corner. Playing corner, that came easy to me.”

Wow. So, you had never played cornerback before last season?

“No, I had played corner before, but thought I was a better receiver than corner.”

Going into fall camp, did you know you would have such a big role on the team playing both sides of the ball?

“I kind of thought so.”

How soon into the season did everything start clicking for you at corner?

“About the second or third game. We played a lot of man, that was easy for me. I am physical at the line. When it is me vs. him, all I have to do is don’t let him beat me.”

Easy enough, but what’s your secret at corner? What is allowing you to pick off so many passes?

“My play at the line and I bait quarterbacks. I play behind the receiver. As soon as he thinks he is open I jump the route.”

How many passes did you allow this year?

“About three or four.”

One of your interceptions was a pick-six, how long of a return was that?

“That was a 97-yard pick-six.”

On that return, you made a lot of players miss getting to midfield, and then it opened up around the 40-yard line. What were you thinking when you got to the 40 and there was nothing but open field and one man left to beat?

“I was thinking, I have to beat that one man to get into the end zone (laughs).”

When you flipped the field playing receiver, you tore it up there too. What are the strengths of your game on offense?

“I run a lot of deep routes – if you play off me by five yards, I will beat you and out run you. I have great hands too.”

Will we see you in the same role next season playing corner and wide out?

“Yes. I’m trying to get into the backfield some. I will play some safety here and there next season.”

With a year of varsity experience under your belt, how are you preparing yourself this offseason for your junior year?

“I am focusing more on corner now. I am working on playing receivers on the line, squeezing receivers and using the sideline, and being patient.”

Are you playing 7v7 ball?

“Yes. I am playing with ProWay.”

How is 7v7 ball helping you improve upon your skillset?

“Playing with ProWay is helping me a lot. Some of the training we are doing, I don’t get during the season. They are showing me things I have not seen before and they are working hard to help me with my game.”

Are you receiving any college interest?

“I am receiving interest from Arizona and Arizona State.”

Are you playing any other varsity sports for Northview?

“I might run track, but that is not for sure yet.”

Is there a corner in the NFL that you watch to learn more about the game?

“I watch Darrelle Revis (Kansas City Chiefs) and Jalen Ramsey (Jacksonville Jaguars).”

If there is one goal you want to accomplish this spring or summer, what is it?

“I would love to get my first offer. But, my main goal is to get my 40 from a 4.5 to a low 4.4. I want to work on my hands a little more as well.”

Damion, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: San Gabriel Valley Tribune; No. 1 Damion Thompson