Interview: There was No Stopping California LB/RB Nehemiah Thompson During MVP Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Every other kid who has played high school football at one time or another sat in bed before falling asleep dreaming of the kind of season Nehemiah Thompson had during his senior year. The San Fernando High School two-way standout shinned on both sides of the ball during his junior campaign but exploded for Valley Mission League Most Valuable Player of the Year honors in 2018.

Thompson played behind two 1,700-yard rushers a year ago but still managed to work his way into the rotation for 354 yards off 42 totes with six scores and caught two passes for 47 yards with another score going up on the board. At linebacker, he turned in a 59-tackle with five-sack season. All seniors want to hit their stride in their final year balling out, and that is what the 5-11, 218-pound, talent did. On the way to the MVP honors, he rushed for 1,006 yards off 81 carries with 19 touchdowns and pulled in three passes for 70 yards with two more trips into the end zone. On defense, he registered 95 stops, 51 solo, with an amazing 41 tackles for a loss, five sacks, five quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery, and a pick in 10 games against Division I California competition.

Interest has come in for Thompson over the months from Pac-12 and Mountain West schools with new teams from outside the region taking notice. For a catch-up on his season overall and his recruiting process, Thompson and I sat down for a one-on-one.

*Click link for Sept. 23, 2018, RNG video interview with Nehemiah Thompson

Interview

Nehemiah, you did so many things well during your senior season, but I want to start off with your tackles for a loss. The stats have you with 41; how in the heck did you get rack up 41 tackles for a loss this season?

“I give it to my defensive coaches. Because of them helping me, I was able to read my keys better and shed blocks to make plays. That is the reason why I did so well in the opposition’s backfield. My coaches were technical with me. They said I was fast enough to get in the backfield, so they put me at Will-backer. They remembered my freshman year when I had 22 sacks.”

What else were you doing well on the field on defense in 2018?

“The technical parts that I did well, reading the linemen, center, guards and tackles. I have the mentality that I have to make the tackle, reading run first is my job. If I do my job well, my other teammates do not have to worry. Going sideline to sideline and my open field tackling, we practice it a lot. I would feel embarrassed if I missed a tackle. I always take a good angle for a for-sure tackle.”

On offense, you shinned as well rushing for over 1,000 yards. What was clicking for you out of the backfield this season allowing you to be so successful?

“This was the year I got to run the rock a lot. My sophomore and junior year I did not get the touches, coaches saw me as a defender. When I was given the chance, I would run hard. A teammate transferred, that gave me a chance to show what I can do as a running back this year. My goal was to play lights out, run hard and score. I would square up and getting as many yards as I could.”

Of all the games played, which was your best this season, and why do you consider that to be your best?

“My best game defensive game was against Alemany. I had 19 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 10 solo tackles, and two sacks. My best offensive game was against Notre Dame. On the first play of the opening drive, we were at the 80-yard line, I took off for the score. I was getting 10 to 15 yards a carry in that game. I finished with 105 yards off three carries with one touchdown.”

This all led to you earning Valley Mission League Player of Year honors. What was that moment for you when you found out you were named MVP?

“I kind of expected it. That was my goal. That was what I was aiming for, nothing less. I was happy, and humble about it. I wanted a championship, but that did not go the way I wanted.”

When we last spoke you had schools from all over the country showing interest, where is that list at now?

“Eastern Washington, San Diego State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Central Washington are showing the most interest.”

Have you picked up an offer?

“Yes. I have an offer from Wayne State in Nebraska.”

Nice. Have you had a chance to visit any schools this fall?

“Yes. I visited Eastern Washington.”

How did the EWU visit go?

“It was a time to remember. The coaches were cool. I talked to them a lot. The campus was cool, it was cold there. They showed us around the weight room and practice field. They had me with the running backs and linebackers. It was a good visit. The dorms were cool too.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes. I have an official to Wayne State in two weeks, the second week in December.”

What has you excited about taking your first official visit?

“I’m excited because it is my first official visit and it is in Nebraska. I have not traveled that far from home in my life. It will be good for me to get outside my comfort zone to see what else there is for me.”

This winter or spring, might you play other varsity sports?

“I just talked to our baseball coach about possibly playing this season, and I will run track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, and long jump.”

Last question for fun. Is there a special skill you have that others do not know?

“I am artistic, I am a good drawer. Art is my talent.”

Nehemiah, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time. Good luck on your official to Wayne State.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Thompson family; Nehemiah Thompson at EWU