Interview: Highly Productive 2020 Arkansas ATH Derriun Thompson is Guiding Prescott on Deep Playoff Run

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

At most high schools, the top athletes on the team are needed to play both ways. Once fitted into a position, it is up to said player to rise to the occasion producing at an elite level. For Prescott High School, Class of 2020 athlete Derriun Thompson is doing it all, and doing it really well.

Coming in at 6-1, 185-pounds, there is seemingly very little Thompson cannot do on the field at any of the skill positions. He has carried the rock 107 times for 920 yards with 14 scores going up on the board and has pulled down 11 passes for 166 more yards. As a defensive back, he has accounted for 44 stops, 22 solo, with three picks and four passes defended. The ironman football has helped his Curley Wolves squad to a 12-1 season thus far with a showdown against Booneville in the 3A semifinal round on Friday.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Natural State’s top two-way athletes covering his season, the Curley Wolves playoff run, and got a quick preview of the big game on Friday.

Interview

Derriun, the Curley Wolves have been on an amazing run this season blowing through the first three rounds of the playoffs. How has the team come together in the playoffs?

“It is do or die time. We do not want to stop playing. In the playoffs, we have turned into a whole different team.”

What are the strengths of the team this season on both sides of the ball?

“Our run game is great. On defense, all around we are amazing. We have players in all spots. We have it all.”

You’ve been a big part of the offense that has averaged 42 points per game, how are you utilized within the Pistol?

“We call it the Riffle. Our fullback leads and we run it. That helps our offense get downfield. We can pass out of it too, it gives us options. For me, I am mostly in up the middle, but I can take it outside. I am a speed back. I can catch it too.”

On defense, you are a ballhawk roaming the secondary. How has playing on that side of the ball gone for you this year?

“It has gone great. All our DBs are playing great. We are good coming up with interceptions and coming down to make tackles. The talent we play gets better and better. For me, I see a lot in my pre-snap read. I am good at coming down and making the play.”

How has your game improved this year on offense?

“Last year, I did not get as many reps at this year. Before the season began, my coach talked to me about upping my carries, I told him ‘I got you’. I worked on my footwork and getting faster, breaking tackles and going in for the score.”

What about on defense? What are some of the aspects of the game you see a night and day difference?

“Reading my keys and making plays when needed. I am right on time at the ball with my coverage.”

Speed is a big part of your game, what is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“My best was a 4.53.”

Do you also compete in track?

“Yes, sir.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, 4×1, long, triple and high jump.”

Derriun, you might be the track team (he laughs). Which events are your best?

“My best is the 200. I can use my speed and strength. When I get around the curve, I am gone.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“Vanderbilt is showing good interest, I was invited to a game last Saturday. I am getting lot of emails from schools like Harvard and Columbia.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.8 this semester; I believe my cumulative is a 3.9.”

It is early in your process, but have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?

“Yes, sir. I took the ACT and scored a 19.”

This offseason, do you plan on playing 7v7 ball?

“Yes, sir. I am playing 7v7 this spring with Arkansas Elite.”

On Friday, you guys take on a very good Booneville (13-0) team. What are you expecting from them in the semifinal round?

“I am expecting a good game. They are much like Clinton but more physical.”

For you, as a two-way player, what in-game match-ups are you looking at?

“Fans will want to watch our secondary coming down and making big hits. As a running back, they have two good defensive tackles, but I know my linemen have me and I have them. They make the key blocks, and I take off. That’s how it works.”

Derriun, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck in the game against Booneville.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Cory Bennett; No. 32 Derriun Thompson in action