Interview: 3-Star 2020 Arkansas ATH Derriun Thompson Talks Recruiting and Set Officials
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When college football coaches talk about wanting to add versatile players to their roster, Derriun Thompson is the guy who fits the calling. The 6-1, 190-pound, Class of 2020 recruit was a two-way standout for Prescott High School last season carrying the pigskin 119 times for 963 yards with 15 touchdowns and pulled in 13 passes for 229 more yards with another score going up on the board. As a safety, Thompson used is 4.53 speed to put an end to 53 plays with 24 solo stops while picking off three passes and breaking up four leading the Curley Wolves to a 12-2 season against 3A Arkansas competition. College coaches needing an athlete like Thompson have come calling with seven offers extended thus far.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Thompson and I cover ground on his offseason workouts, how the Curley Wolves are looking in fall camp, and he gives me the latest on his recruiting including where he set two of his official visits.
*Click link for Feb. 28, 2019, RNG interview with Derriun Thompson
Interview
Derriun, how have your offseason workouts come along with the focus on your speed and strength?
“I have worked on getting faster doing a lot of speed workouts. With my strength, we workout as a team four times a week. I also workout by myself and I run on my own.”
Did you clock a 40-yard dash this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I ran a 4.53.”
Nice. Last time we spoke you were going into track season. Which events did you end up competing in with track?
“The 100, 4×1, and long jump.”
What did you PR in the 100?
“11.3.”
Nice. What was your PR in the long jump?
“I think it was 20.9.”
Did you max out in the weight room?
“I did. It has been a while but my bench was 240, my squat was 325, and my power clean was 225.”
Did you take your skills to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I went to a couple camps this summer. I went to SMU, TCU, Baylor, Tulsa, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), and Arkansas.”
Of them all, which was your best camp performance?
“Tulsa.”
What did you do well at that camp?
“I locked everyone up. My footwork drills went well there. I felt good there.”
Taking the new knowledge learned from the camps, what have you been working on this summer as a defensive back?
“I am coming down harder than before. I am good with my coverage. I am focusing more on coming down and reading my keys. I have been working with my defensive backs coach on that a lot.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements?
“I am seeing the biggest improvements in reading my keys quicker than before, knowing if it is a run or pass play.”
You were a two-way standout last season, where all are you lining up this season?
“I am playing running back, receiver, and safety.”
What have you been working on with your skills for offense?
“I am developed as a running back so I have been focusing more of my time as a receiver. I have been working on running my routes and working on my releases.”
Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“I have seven offers; UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), OBU (Ouachita Baptist), Henderson State, Missouri Western, Southern Nazarene (OK), Northeastern State, and Southern Miss.
I know we are in a dead period right now, but before that time began which schools were showing interest?
“Tulsa.”
Did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes. All of the schools where I camped.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I have official visits planned to OBU and Southern Miss.”
What has you excited about your official to OBU?
“They keep in contact with me. They have great guys and great coaches there. I am looking forward to that visit.”
And the Southern Miss official, what has you excited about visiting Hattiesburg?
“Southern Miss was my first large D-I offer. I am excited to see the campus and interact with the coaches on the visit.”
Turning to the upcoming season. How are the Curley Wolves looking this summer in practices?
“We are looking pretty good. We have some young guys, but their mindset is older. We are good. I think we are at the same level if not better than last year. We have multiple guys in different positions and we have depth.”
Which games are you excited to play already?
“I am excited to play Smackover (Oct. 11) and I want to play against Rison in the playoffs.”
What goals have you set for yourself?
“On defense, I want over six interceptions and 10 or more tackles for a loss. On offense, I want to rush for over 1,000 yards and go over 500 receiving.”
Derriun, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Curley Wolves a fantastic 2019 season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Thompson family; Derriun Thompson at TCU and Tulsa