Interview: England 2017 TE/DE BJ Thompson is a True Two-Way Star

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

No matter what they future may hold for BJ Thompson – that future is shaping up to be extremely bright.

Thompson asserted himself as a true two-way star during the 2015 season playing for England High School. The Lions staff played Thompson all over the field lining him up at wide receiver and tight end on offense and at defensive end when possession was flipped. The results speak in the win-loss column and on the stat sheet.

The Lions posted a 13-2 mark making a run to the Arkansas 2A semifinal round before falling to Rison. The 6-6, 200 pound, athlete stuffed the opposition for 42 receptions covering 677 yards with 10 touchdowns. On defense, opposing left tackles looked overwhelmed and outmatched game after game with Thompson using his 4.5 speed, strength, and athleticism for 91 tackles, 13 sacks, and a pick-six.

Wherever college coaches see him at the next level will just be another part of Thompson’s evolution on the field. He started as a freshman at the varsity level at cornerback before moving to outside linebacker and defensive end his sophomore season. Another standout season on defense and on offense, college coaches may be puzzled where to play him once on campus.

College coaches have made the trek to the central Arkansas high school, about 30 minutes outside of Little Rock, to see the budding star. To date, 10 colleges have offered Thompson. The list includes Arkansas State, Kansas, Memphis, Tulsa, Louisiana Tech, Army, Tulane, Central Arkansas, Cincinnati, and Washington State. Some of the teams showing interest in Thompson includes Florida State, Indiana, and Ole Miss.

Under the senior leadership of Thompson and with a roster full of athletes, the Lions are a threat to make another deep run into the playoffs in 2016. In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with the three-star recruit to learn more about his off-season, England’s 2016 squad, and his recruitment to date.

Interview

BJ, you were a terror out there at defensive end last year. What are some of the things that you do well that allows you to be so successful on defense?

“I have a quick first step. I’m good at jumping the snap count. That gives me a head start getting to the quarterback. I’m pretty athletic and fast which helps me a lot. I have long arms – that helps a lot. Having long arms keeps tackles away. My speed getting around the corner is good. I’m using some new moves from the summer this season. Last year I was going off raw athletic ability.”

What about your skill set at wide receiver and tight end? What are some of your strengths on that side of the ball?

“I’m a good blocker at tight end. My length helps and I have a good base. Anytime I get one-on-one with a linebacker or safety I have the advantage. At wide receiver, if I am in an isolation with a defender I will win. I’m fast too. That helps me out a lot too.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of last year?

“I was All-State at defensive end and tight end.”

You have mentioned your speed a couple of times. Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?

“Yes sir, I did. At an Arkansas State camp I ran a 4.58.”

Impressive.

“Thank you.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this summer?

“No. I talked to my coach about that three days ago. I’ll max out soon.”

You mentioned you were working on some new moves this summer, can you share your new moves with us or are you going to wait and surprise everyone this year?

(Laughs) “At the Arkansas (Razorbacks) camp I learned a lot from their defensive line coach. I learned how to play with my hands more. I’ve been working on my swim move and on an up and under move. I’m working on my hands more to keep linemen off me so I can get to the quarterback better instead of just using my athletic ability.”

What else have you been working on this summer?

“My top priority was getting in the weight room to add some weight to my frame. That is a big emphasis for me. I worked on my technique a lot.”

What goals have you set for yourself for your senior year?

“I want to gain at least 10 to 15 pounds and become more of a vocal leader who leads by example. I want to get the team to a championship.”

You’ve mentioned two camps you attended this summer. How many camps did you go to over the off-season?

“I went to Arkansas, Arkansas State, and Ole Miss.”

How did the Arkansas camp go?

“It went well. I did excellent during drills. At the end of the camp I talked to Coach (Barry) Lunney (tight ends coach), he is the recruiting coordinator for the state of Arkansas. As of right now they are looking for someone more developed at the moment.”

Sorry to hear that. At least they were upfront with you. How did the Arkansas State camp go?

“That went well too. That was my first camp of the summer. The camp was at War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock). They offered me at the end of the camp. It was fun to be around those guys. My brother is at Arkansas State (Blake Mack TE – junior this year).”

What about the Ole Miss camp, how did you do there?

“The Ole Miss camp was another good camp for me. I had the staff’s eyes on me. They talked to me about my weight. They want me to add more weight. They are interested in me and want to see how big I will get during my senior year.”

Which position did you attend the different camps playing?

“I went to all of the camps as a defensive end.”

You have a lot of offers on the table. How many do you have right now?

“I have 10 offers.”

Of the teams that have offered you, which programs are pushing hard for or are keeping in steady contact?

“Washington State – they have been on me pretty good. Kansas has been as well.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Florida State, I am in contact with them, Central Florida and Indiana too.”

Due to the fact that you have so many offers, do you feel the pressure to commit sooner than later?

“Right now I don’t know when I will commit. I want to weigh out all of my options. I want to take my official visits. Right now I am having fun with it.”

Do you have any official visits planned for the season?

“Right now I do not have any planned.”

When your time comes to choose a school, what will be some of the things that weigh into that decision as you check off your pro-con list?

“My relationship with the coaching staff. That will play a good part. I’m looking at the conference I will play in to see how I would be effective against that type of competition. Does my style of play fit? There is not a whole lot that separates most of the schools apart.”

BJ, you are also a standout basketball player. How did your junior season go on the court?

“My tenth grade year we won a state championship. This year we were a state tournament team. On my AAU team, we had a good summer and won a lot of tournaments.”

Which position or positions do you play on the court?

“I’m a wing player but I play every position on the floor.”

Do you remember your stat line on the court from last season?

“My junior year I averaged 17 points per game, 11.5 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game.”

Are you getting interest in basketball?

“Yes sir, but a lot of basketball programs look at me as playing football in college.”

Last season England had a lot of playmakers on the roster. How does the team look this year?

“We are young. We lost some seniors from last year and a lot of weapons. We had multiple players who could make plays. This year – we look great. Our linemen are more experienced and our chemistry is great. We’ve been together for a long time and everyone is pumped. Everyone is pumped up about this year and ready to go.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are ready to play right now?

“Yes sir. Our first game of the year in the Hooten’s Kickoff Classic against Hamburg (Aug. 30). The whole town is talking about that game.”

BJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with your senior year.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: wholehogsports.com; No. 1 BJ Thompson on the field.

Photo credit: scout.com; BJ Thompson at an Arkansas camp.