Interview: Missouri QB Skylar Thompson talks verbal commitment to KSU Wildcats

On Saturday Fort Osage High School’s dual-threat quarterback Skylar Thompson verbally committed to Kansas State.

To catch Wildcat fans up on their prized recruit, Thompson is along the line of KSU quarterbacks who have thrived under head coach Bill Snyder in recent years. Like Collin Klein (2008-2012) and Jake Waters (2013-2014), Thompson is adept at sitting in the pocket letting the pigskin fly or wrapping the ball under his arm picking up needed yards to keep the chains moving. As a junior he passed for 2,390 yards with 24 touchdowns and ran for 480 yards with another 10 scores.

During his breakout junior season the Independence, Missouri area native earned First-Team All-State, First Team All-Conference, and First-Team All-District honors drawing attention from Wake Forest, Kansas, Arkansas, Kansas State, and Missouri among others.

Roughly a week after receiving an offer from KSU, the 6’2”, 190 pound, quarterback, with family in tow, went to Manhattan for an unofficial visit but left as part of the Wildcat family.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview Thompson broke down his verbal commitment to head coach Bill Snyder and how it now feels to be a Wildcat.

 

Skylar, first, congratulations on your commitment to Kansas State.

“Thank you.”

What influenced you to commit when you did?

“It felt like home. I’ve been there a couple of times. It just felt right. They offered me a week ago. It felt like it was the right place – this is the place I wanted to go. I committed on the spot to coach Snyder.”

How did the commitment take place?

“They’re rebuilding the coaching offices. All their offices are temporary right now. They have a staff meeting room with a big round table. My parents, older brother and sister-in-law, and my sister, all seven of us were at the table. My step mom, my sister, and my sister-in-law were all crying, it was a big moment. We are a close family. For them to see it happen was emotional. Happy tears not sad tears. Something we’ve all been waiting a long time for.”

What was the reaction of Coach Snyder when you committed?

“He was pretty excited. He was talking for about an hour before I committed. He was talking to me and my family about the university all the stuff it has to offer. When he stopped talking I went ahead and committed. It was funny he said, “Man why didn’t you tell me an hour ago I wouldn’t have talked that long.”

“He was really excited. The QB coach (Del Miller), Collin Klein and, the recruiting coordinator were fired up. It was really cool, really glad it happened. Happy the process is over.”

Did you know you were going to verbally commit before you left for Manhattan?

“I knew. I had a good feel for it. My parents gave me the green light it felt right so I did it.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“My heart dropped. I was so nervous. It was like I was stepping out playing a football game. I was so anxious to tell him and so excited. My heart was thumping hard. When he stopped talking I said, “Coach I want to commit, I want to be a KSU Wildcat.” It is a moment I will remember for ever. It was very cool.”

Is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?

“Yeah, it’s been a long time coming. I’ve always dreamed of this happening. Glad I found a place I love and that loves me. I can focus on my senior year and my teammates, giving them the attention they deserve.”

Are you going to take any other unofficial or official visits?

“No, I’m at KSU. I’m going to shut this recruiting process down as much as I can. If I’m going anywhere I’m going to KSU.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yeah, of course. I was already talking about that today with the coaches. I’m only the second commitment to the class. Its way early, all the running backs and wide receivers will come in later. I’m going to reach out to a couple of kids. I’m going to give them my thoughts on KSU. Not going to persuade them but try to get guys on board so we can chase all our goals and go win a Big 12 championship. That’s my role now that I have committed. That’s how I’ll approach that.”

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: Skylar Thompson; Skylar and family at Kansas State.

Photo credit: Skylar Thompson; Skylar and family with Coach Bill Snyder