Interview: 12-Offer 4-Star 2022 RB Jaylen Thompson Updates Recruiting and Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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With all the four- and three-star senior talents on the Calabasas High School roster last season, from the beginning of the season it was improbable for an underclassman to rise up staking claim as an elite national recruit… but Jaylen Thompson did it. The Class of 2022 running back showed out against California Division 1/2 defenses displaying breakaway speed, moves, and power taking on direct hits with explosive plays after contact. The now slimmed down to build back up 5-10, 188-pound, tailback will be applying his craft at St. Bernard High School once the 2020 season kicks off in January with 12 scholarship offers fueling his fire.

In an RNG catch-up interview, Thompson sat down for a one-on-one updating us on his growing recruiting process and development over the spring and summer months.

*Click link for Feb. 12 RNG video interview with Jaylen Thompson

Interview

Jaylen, I want to start off handing you a compliment. The strength and power in your quads and knees to do some of the cuts you do and take the hits you do while keeping your balance and then with a burst is pretty amazing. Has that always been a part of your game or did that just start to come through last season?

Appreciate that. I do think it was a big part of my game from a young age. There are clips of me jumping over people and breaking tackles, and not going down easy. Not going down easy has always been one of my strengths.

With the Coyotes, you guys were running a Spread attack last season. What were some of the designed plays that got you the rock?

Some of the plays were out of the Pistol, the power plays would spring me.

Your speed is deceptive and looks elite as you breakaway on so many runs, how fast are you?

The best 40 I ever ran, which was recently, was a 4.59.

Once you wrapped on the field last season, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?

My vision and football IQ. I feel that my football IQ is something that is slept on with my game. My vision is a big factor, you cannot teach that. My strength and my heart are also strengths to my game.

Since you jumped into your offseason workouts, what have you focused on with the skill parts of your game?

This offseason I have been doing a lot of running and running sprints to get faster. I am getting that blinding speed and getting my strength up. This offseason I have been stretching a lot; flexibility is a big factor in my game. I am also working on my hands using the JUGG machine for a few months now, which is helping get my hands better. Of course, the goal is to don’t drop the ball and let them know if they throw it to me I will get it.

The speed and burst is there, and you have that power breaking arm tackles. What are you doing to add even more of all that to what you do on the field?

Front squats, back squats, power clean, and box jumps are accelerating my power to the next level.

Have you maxed out on any of your lifts this summer?

I did on deadlift. I maxed out at 560.

Nice. Last we spoke you had transferred to St. Bernard. Now that you’ve had a little time to learn the offense and go over everything with your new coaches, what style of offense will you be playing in this season?

Same as last year, a Spread with some RPO (run-pass option).

Running back is a no-brainer, are you taking on any other roles this season with the Vikings?

Yes, I am playing slot too.

Are you excited to get time in as a slot receiver?

Super excited. This is taking me back to my eighth-grade days with the IE (Inland Empire) Ducks. It makes the hairs stand up on my back.

Given all that you will be doing, what goals have you set for yourself with the Vikings this season?

The big goal for me is rushing for 2,000 yards. Coach (Chris) Clayborn (USC) and I were talking last year, he was talking about his senior year when he ran for 2,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. I want to do that. I’m not sure about 40 touchdowns, but I promised him I would do my best this year.

Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

West Virginia, Michigan, Ohio State, North Carolina, and I think LSU.

How many offers have been dropped?

Twelve.

Which programs were the last couple to offer you?

Texas, USC, and my most recent offers were from San Diego State and Oregon.

Thompson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Colorado, Florida Atlantic, Kansas, New Mexico, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, San Diego State, Southern Miss, Texas, and USC

When that opportunity arises again, are there any visits you’d like to take or any that you have tentatively planned?

I would like to visit all the schools that have offered. The ones that seem exciting to me are Oregon, Texas, I have been to LSU but I want to go back more as a recruit this time than during my first time. Penn State is another one. I went there my eighth-grade year, I want to go back there again.

Jaylen, it was great catching up with you today. Thanks for your time and good luck with your workouts this fall until we connect again.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Thompson family; Jaylen Thompson