Osband “OJ” Thompson

Safety – Senior

Tuskegee

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?   

 

Osband Thompson:  Right now, I am 6’0, 214 and I ran in the low to mid 4.6’s at the pro day. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

Osband Thompson:  I was training at Michael Johnson Performance in McKinney, Texas.  Now I am training at the school.  I plan to graduate in the summer.  I wasn’t here for a semester because I was training.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Were you satisfied with your Pro Day results? 

 

Osband Thompson:  I am not satisfied.  I could have done better.  I was prepared for it.  My expectations were way higher as an individual.  As far as football, I am a better player than what my results were.  I came up short on the bench.  I wanted to show that I could lift like a LB.  My forty could have been better.  I wanted to hit a low 4.5.  The training process was a great challenge.  It tested me mentality. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your experience at the FCS Bowl? 

 

Osband Thompson:  It was great.  I did well in practice and in the one-on-one’s.  I had 10 tackles in the game.  I played LB there. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about the College Gridiron Showcase all-star game. 

 

Osband Thompson:  I played both LB and safety.  I was going against guys that I have never played against.  It was my first time moving to safety.  I called my coach at the school and told him that safety is very different from LB.  It felt different.  You are the last line of defense.  You have to make sure that no one gets behind you.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What has the transition been like moving from linebacker to safety during training?

 

Osband Thompson:  When I first went there, everyone told me to relax.  After a couple of weeks, my coach told me that I was most improved player out of anyone. My backpedal and ball skills got better. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you? 

 

Osband Thompson:  I was supposed to go to Rutgers.  They were recruiting me.  But the defensive coordinator got fired the week of my official visit there.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Tuskegee?

 

Osband Thompson:  My mom brought me there for orientation.  She liked the coaches.  They showed interest in me as a senior.  My high school principal went there.  They offered a walk-on spot.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career. 

 

Osband Thompson:  From an individual standpoint, I won freshman of the year.  I did better my sophomore year, but I didn’t get any accolades.  I earned All-American.  I earned Defensive Player of the Year my junior and senior year.  I recorded 452 tackles, 9 INT’s, 36 TFL’s, 9 sacks and 5 forced fumbles during my career.  We won two conference championships.  We made the playoffs three out of four years. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Osband Thompson:  I am a leader on and off the field.  I make a lot of plays.  I never come off the field.  I play special teams as well.  I don’t miss any tackles.  I am a smart player.  I watch a lot of film.  I know what other teams will do.  It is hard to block me.  I will get an INT if it is thrown anywhere in my area. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon? 

 

Osband Thompson:  Trying to get stronger.  I need to get my legs stronger.  I am transferring from LB to safety.  I am trying to learn the new position.  I am doing the DB stuff during training.  I have to break quicker to the ball with no false steps.  I have to know different coverages.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point? 

 

Osband Thompson:  Winning Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row.  I pride myself in being the best I can be at all times.  Being labeled as one of the best players at Tuskegee is a great honor.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

 

Osband Thompson:  I am from Miami.  But I like the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player? 

 

Osband Thompson:  Michael Vick was my favorite player.  Now it is Antonio Brown. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a safety? 

 

Osband Thompson:  Not getting beat at all times.  Keep everything in front of you. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season? 

 

Osband Thompson:  CB Darnell Hill, DL Kali James and WR Javarrius Cheatham. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced during your career?

 

Osband Thompson:  Two players.  QB Patrick O’Brien played at UNC Pembroke and Catawba College.  We became close friends.  RB Trenton Cannon is from Virginia State. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football? 

 

Osband Thompson:  I have been playing this game since I have been four years old.  It is what I love to do.  I am free on the football field.  When I am on the field, nothing else matters.  I don’t know what I would do without football.  I know it is pretty hard to make it at the next level, but I am going to work extremely hard.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies? 

 

Osband Thompson:  I have six brothers.  I like to hang out with them.  I like to workout and play Madden. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over? 

 

Osband Thompson:  My major was in psychology.  I am the oldest brother in the house.  I have three adopted brothers.  I want to get into social work or become a mentor in the adopting field. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Osband Thompson is….

 

Osband Thompson:  Cool, funny and really laid back.  But I am always serious when it is time to work.  I am a leader on the field.  I lead by example.