Jordan Thompson
Defensive Tackle
Northwestern

 

Ed Hunt:  What are your measurements? (height, weight and 40 time)

 

Jordan Thompson:  I’m 6’2, 284 lbs and no idea on my 40 time.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is your best position on the defensive line?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Three technique.

 

Ed Hunt:  What positions are you capable of playing on the defensive line?

 

Jordan Thompson:  3-tech, 4-high and 2-high.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Michigan’s offensive line, Notre Dame’s offensive line and you can sprinkle in Wisconsin’s.

 

Ed Hunt:  Coming out of high school, which schools showed interest in you?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Michigan State, Duke, Northwestern and Alabama.

 

Ed Hunt:  What made you ultimately choose Northwestern?

 

Jordan Thompson:  The combination of Big 10 football, distance from home and academics.  I was far enough away from home that I could grow as a person.

 

Ed Hunt:  What are your strengths?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Good speed, use my hands well and I feel like I’m explosive.

 

Ed Hunt:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Probably just getting better at pass rushing.  You’re never as good as you think you are.

 

Ed Hunt:  Describe your overall career.

 

Jordan Thompson:  Freshman year, I appeared in every game except one.  Sophomore year, I missed games versus Western Michigan and Illinois State.  Junior year, I was a full-time starter and senior year I was a full-time starter and only missed one game.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is the highlight of your career at this point?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Playing in the Big 10 championship game.  Seeing all the work the seniors and I put in really showed in how we got there.

 

Ed Hunt:  I noticed you have a lot of power.  What do you attribute this to?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Combination of watching film, watching the guards’ hands and just when the ball is snapped, cutting it loose.

 

Ed Hunt:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Consistency.  They really value guys that come in every day ready to work.  Being in the spot you are supposed to be in.  Making plays.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Jordan Thompson:  I love watching the Rams.  Watching Aaron Donald is always awesome to watch.  Also, the Eagles defensive line is fun to watch.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Aaron Donald.

 

Ed Hunt:  What’s the most important trait for a defensive tackle?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Your get off.  You can’t do anything if you don’t have that get off.

 

Ed Hunt:  Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in that offense?

 

Jordan Thompson:  You look at down and distance and look at the guard’s demeanor.  If he is heavy in his hands, they will probably run.

 

Ed Hunt:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Earnest Brown, Joe Gaziano, Alex Miller and Samdup Miller.

 

Ed Hunt:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Just the lessons it teaches you about hard work and responsibility and the camaraderie it brings.  It can make you a better person.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

Jordan Thompson:  My parents.  Growing up, I had everything I needed and that was because of their hard work.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

Jordan Thompson:  A person who brings the best out of everyone around them.  Don’t need to necessarily be out in front.

 

Ed Hunt:  What do you want to do with your life after football?

 

Jordan Thompson:  I haven’t figured that out.  For now, I want to play football.

 

Ed Hunt:  What five words best describe you?

 

Jordan Thompson:  Honest, hard-working, fun, smart and consistent.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who will win the Super Bowl next year?

 

Jordan Thompson:  The Rams will redeem themselves.