Interview: 2020 California CB/ATH Damion Thompson Continues to Impress as a Thief of Passes

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2017 California high school football season had ended, Class of 2020 cornerback did about the best thing possible for himself and the worst thing possible at the same time. He emerged as a corner no smart quarterback ever wants to test picking off eight passes for Northview High School. A couple of teams have tried the ball-hawking corner this year, and he continues to make them pay.

Most high school defensive backs are lucky to get three picks over two seasons, something Thompson has already done in seven games during his junior campaign, much less come away with eight. In addition the snagging the opposition’s passes, during his sophomore season Thompson had 31 tackles and seven passes broken up. He also put his skills to the test on offense as a receiver coming up with 25 receptions for 509 yards with five touchdowns scored.

As much as things change, it is more of the same for the 6-0, 165-pound, athlete in 2018. Even with teams scheming to go the other way, Thompson has come up with 16 stops, 10 solo, three tackles for a loss and the aforementioned three picks. On offense, his role continues to evolve with one pass completed for 43 yards, two carries for 11 more yards, and 17 passes hauled in for 334 yards with six touchdowns going up on the board. The work on the field is drawing an off the field crowd of interest coming in from Arizona, USC, BYU, Fresno State, San Diego State, Cal, and UNLV, among others.

In a RNG mid-season catch-up interview, I sat down with the Covina area star to see how the season is going thus far with a quick recruiting update.

*Click link for May 21, 2018, RNG interview with Damion Thompson

Interview

Damion, the Vikings had a good season a year ago going 7-4. This year you have already tied last year’s win total. What is the difference between the Vikings from last year to now?

“I think everyone is well-rounded in the system this year, we are trusting one another. Our defense is getting the job done.”

The defense has been ridiculous holding seven teams to a total of 37 points, what all is working for you guys on that side of the ball?

“They haven’t yet, but teams have to out power us to beat us. It has been easy for us to stop the run this year and our secondary is really good.”

The defense has pitched two consecutive shutouts with the last one coming against Baldwin Park (49-0), how did that game go for you?

“It went well. I didn’t get much action, they didn’t throw any pass attempts on the first team defense.”

When we spoke before the season, you mentioned that you were getting some snaps in at safety. Where all are you lining up in the Vikings secondary this year?

“The majority of my snaps are at corner. I moved to safety for one game to lock onto a guy in the slot.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“I’d say either San Marino or Wilson; in both games I had a pick and an offense touchdown.”

That would qualify as great games. You get Covina on Friday, how will their offense challenge you guys?

“We expect another shutout, I think we can do it. Their quarterback is good, but we held him to 50 something yards last year. We are aiming to hold him for lower yards this year.”

With the games being blowouts, you may not get as much time on the field but in the time given how is your overall skillset improving on defense?

“I come up and make more tackles than before. Against the pass, they do not throw to my side as much.”

You are getting to showcase your athleticism on offense as well this year, how is your game improving as a receiver?

“Really well. I think I run patterns better now. I am working on coming out of breaks more explosively; that is getting better.”

I can’t let you go without a quick update on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“UCLA, Arizona State, and Washington are showing the most interest right now.”

Damion, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Covina.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Edwin Granda; No. 1 Damion Thompson in action