Interview: West Coast Interest Piling Up for 2020 California CB/WR Damion Thompson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Damion Thompson had one heck of an opening debut for Northview High School during his sophomore year forcing the opposition and college coaches alike to take notice. The 2017 season was stat filled for Thompson pulling in 25 passes for 509 yards with five scores while coming up with 31 tackles, seven passes defended and eight picks against California varsity competition. The 5-11, 163-pound, athlete is drawing a wave of college coaches to Covina with strong interest growing from Pac-12 and Mountain West Conference programs.
In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with one of the fastest rising talents in the Golden State’s 2020 class for an overview on spring practices with an update on his recruitment.
*Click link for Feb. 2, 2018, RNG interview with Damion Thompson
Interview
Damion, you had a ridiculous year on defense in 2017 picking off eight passes, what are you working on this offseason to ensure another repeat performance?
“Right now, I am working on my breaks, my lateral movement, and I am working on playing some at safety.”
Is safety a new full-time spot for you?
“No. I will play some back there here and there; corner is still my primary position.”
What are you working on this spring on offense?
“I am working on my releases, getting out of my routes faster, and working on different ways to run the routes depending on how defender plays me.”
Where are you seeing the biggest gains in your overall game on both sides of the ball?
“On offense, I’m seeing big improvement on my route running. On defense, I am seeing improvement in zone coverage.”
How have spring practices gone?
“They are going well.”
How does Northview look overall this spring?
“The team looks good.”
What can the fans expect from you guys this fall?
“They can expect a lot of big plays this year. I think we have a chance at a ring this season.”
Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“I attended the SPE Elite in Louisiana.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted this offseason?
“A 4.58.”
Do you know which camps you may attend this summer?
“I am planning on attending the SPE Elite in California (Los Angeles) and I will compete at a USC and Azusa Pacific camp.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered just yet?
“Arizona, Arizona State, USC, UCLA, Oregon, Washington, BYU, UNLV, Fresno State, UC-Davis, San Diego State, and Cal.”
Which colleges have come by school to see you in-person or to watch you in a workout?
“USC, UCLA, Oregon, Washington, BYU, UNLV, Fresno State, UC-Davis, San Diego State, and Cal have all come by our school this spring.”
What are they saying about your game?
“They like that I am an athlete. They like my potential and tell me that I am a Pac-12 player.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“Arizona, Arizona State, Houston, and USC.”
How did the USC visit go?
“It went very well. I got to see how they breakdown film and I watched them practice.”
How about the Arizona visit, how did that go?
“That went well. I sat down with Coach (Demetrice) Martin; he was straightforward about everything.”
What about the Arizona State visit?
“That went well too. Their facilities are great.”
Damion, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your spring workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: ProWay 7v7; Damion Thompson in 7v7 action