Tariq Thompson Interview / Safety / San Diego State
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Tariq Thompson: I’m 6’0 and weigh 203.
Ed Hunt: How do you feel your 2020 season went?
Tariq Thompson: My 2020 season went well. I put a lot on film. I showed that I could contribute at the college level and that it could translate to the next level.
Ed Hunt: Can you play both free and strong safety if you were pressed into a reserve role to start?
Tariq Thompson: Yeah, I can play either safety position or the box spot or the nickel. I’m very versatile.
Ed Hunt: What can you add on special teams?
Tariq Thompson: I can cover the field well and I can block. I can do all four special teams. I’m willing to do anything on special teams.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Tariq Thompson: I’m training at Landow Performance in Denver, Colorado.
Ed Hunt: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Tariq Thompson: I played basketball and I did one year of track.
Ed Hunt: What positions did you play in high school?
Tariq Thompson: I played safety, nickel, outside linebacker, receiver, and running back.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Tariq Thompson:San Diego State, Fresno State and Northern Arizona.
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Ed Hunt: How would you sum up your career at San Diego State?
Tariq Thompson: I felt like my career at San Diego State went well. I think we should have won one more conference championships, but I feel like it was a great four years.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Tariq Thompson: Play recognition, agility, and coverage ability. I’m a well-rounded football player. I don’t have any flaws.
Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Tariq Thompson: Approaching the ballcarrier, stripping the ball out, and coverage skills. It’s becoming a passing league.
Ed Hunt: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Tariq Thompson: 2019 bowl championship game. That was the only bowl I won.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Tariq Thompson: I personally don’t have a favorite NFL team. I grew up a San Diego Chargers fan, but they moved away. I’m just hoping to be on a team and will be a fan of the team for as long as I’m there.
Ed Hunt: Is there an NFL safety that you like to watch film on?
Tariq Thompson: There are a few – Tyrann Mathieu, Kevin Byard, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Justin Reid, Kam Chancellor when he played, and Jamal Adams. I try to take as much from their games and apply them to my game.
Ed Hunt: What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Tariq Thompson: Tayler Hawkins, Keshawn Banks, Andrew Aleki, Jordan Byrd and William Dunkle.
Ed Hunt: Which quarterback was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
Tariq Thompson: Zach Wilson.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a safety?
Tariq Thompson: Intelligence and discipline. Those two have to go together. Stay in leverage and keeping your eyes on the guy you’re covering.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Tariq Thompson:The competition. I love competing. Striving to be great is very motivating. Nobody has played a perfect game. Just trying to improve on that.
Ed Hunt: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?
Tariq Thompson: I mean there have been a lot of ups and downs in my career. Not just in college, but also in high school. My family and friends gave me the encouragement for everything I can do on and off the field.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Tariq Thompson: Outside of football, I like video games, I love watching sports like the Olympics and I like making playbooks.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Tariq Thompson: I want to coach football. I love competing. I feel like I have a lot that I can teach when I’m done playing.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Tariq Thompson: My intelligence. I can see things before they can fully develop, so I know how to put myself in the right place before the play can develop.Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
Tariq Thompson: Competitive, hungry, aggressive, intelligent, and physical.
