Kevin Thompson – Defensive End – Senior – Bethune-Cookman

 

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

 

Kevin Thompson:  I am 6’3 and I weighed at 240 at the FCS Bowl.  I was a little on the light side.  I am usually around 247 or 250.  I ran a 4.74 or a 4.75 last time.

 

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

 

Kevin Thompson:  I had Colgate, New Hampshire, Georgetown, Towson and Morgan.  I had multiple letters, but no one offered me a scholarship.  I started training with my one of my friends. He was highly recruited, but his grades weren’t good.  He went to JUCO, and I went there as well.  I went to Ellsworth Community College at Iowa.

 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at JUCO?

 

Kevin Thompson:  When I came in, our head coach told me that he was going to finish playing guys he already had that first year.  I took a redshirt year.  Coach wanted to get me right for next year.  Our coaching staff got fired during spring semester.  New coaches came in and were telling guys that they would give them a fair shot to play.  The better guy will get a position.  In the fall of 2014, I started and got second team all-conference.  I had 9 sacks, 11.5 TFL’s and 46 tackles.  Then I wanted to transfer during spring semester.  Our coach got word of it.  He wanted me to stay at JUCO for another year.  I wanted to go to D-I school.  Coach wouldn’t let me transfer.  He wouldn’t give me my transcripts.  I sat out a semester.  I started to market myself.  I was getting my film to other D-I and FCS schools.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Bethune-Cookman?

 

Kevin Thompson:  Bethune-Cookman came in, and I spoke with Coach Lane.  We spoke every day after.  I just felt at home.  They offered me a full ride, and I didn’t waste time.  Other schools like Alcorn State, Delaware and Morgan came in.  UNC Charlotte also offered.  I just thought that Bethune-Cookman was a place where I could make a name for myself and stand out.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I am versatile, aggressive and fast.  I can put my hand in the dirt or stand up.  I can get off blocks.  I kill blockers.  I easily understand my assignment and what I need to do.  I am a student of the game.  I watch myself and critique myself.  I strive to be better.  My work ethic is great.  The little things do matter.

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

 

Kevin Thompson:  I need to work on my hand usage and my eyes.  I need to gain a little bit more weight.  I don’t want my weight to be a factor.  I want the coach to decide whether to play me with my hand in the dirt or from a two-point stance.  I want to be at 255 or 260, as long as I don’t lose my speed.

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

 

Kevin Thompson:  We won our conference my first year in 2015.  It was actually a three-way tie.  North Carolina A&T went to the bowl game.  We all had one loss, but they chose A&T because they had more points than us.  I started that year.  I played in 11 games.  I was third team all-conference.  I had a great year in 2016 with three sacks, 10.5 TFL’s and 47 tackles.  I made second team all-conference.  I got hurt in 2017 and missed most of the year.  I tore my labrum and separated my AC joint.  In 2018, I had a bounce back year.  I was out for so long.  I didn’t make the all-conference team.  I had three sacks, 10.5 TFL’s and 46 tackles.  I got invited to a couple of bowl games.  I played in the FCS Bowl and got invited to the College Gridiron Showcase in January.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about the FCS Bowl all-star game experience.

 

Kevin Thompson:  It was an exciting weekend.  There were good players there.  It was good competition.  It was a chance to show that I belong.  I enjoyed the experience.  I showcased my talent in front of 20+ scouts.  I had a chance to speak to NFL scouts.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing that you will take away from the all-star game?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I started having fun with the game again.  I was using my speed.  They couldn’t stop my speed.  I am not going away from my number one move unless I have to.  We came back from 14 points down in the last two minutes.  We went for the two-point conversion and won the game.  It was a great experience.  I showcased my talent.  I was a leader on my team.  When the game seemed over, I told the guys that it is not over and there is still time on the clock.  I led my guys to a win.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you faced during the FCS Bowl weekend?

 

Kevin Thompson:  OT from Wayne State (Israel Helms).  He got the most attention from NFL scouts.  He was the best OL.

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

 

Kevin Thompson:  I always step up my play against the bigger schools.  I had a big game against Nebraska this year.  I played above my competition level.  I had six tackles, three TFL’s and two sacks with a forced fumble.  I was a problem in the game.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from the coaching staff at Bethune-Cookman?

Kevin Thompson:  Being family-oriented.  You have to pay attention to the details.  You have to be able to close out games.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I like the Vikings.  I also root for my hometown team, which is the Baltimore Ravens.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I like to watch Von Miller.  Some people tell me that I look like him.

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

 

Kevin Thompson:  Being relentless and not giving up on plays.  You have to keep going.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from an offense?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I am looking at the O-line’s stance.  Then I am looking at the ball, so I can get a good get off.  Then I am looking from the ball to the shoulder pads of my man.

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

 

Kevin Thompson:  LB Marquis Hendrix and QB Akevious Williams who is a dual threat.  I like TE Taron Mallard who is 6’7.  One more is DB Trevor Merritt.  His IQ level is off the charts.  He is a dog.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I went against OT Brandon Parker from North Carolina A&T.  We banged every time we played against each other.  He is one of the best.  He is technically sound.  I had to get him out of his comfort zone.  He is with the Raiders now.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I enjoy the game itself.  It is like having an outlet.  It is a getaway for me.  Nothing else matters.  Everything happening in my life stops when I am on the field.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

Kevin Thompson:  My dad is my biggest role model.  He stayed behind me.  He told me what not to do.  He told me to always work for it.  He is my biggest critic.

 

Alex Khvatov:  I know that you lost your three older brothers.  How has that affected you?

 

Kevin Thompson:  It made me stronger.  My mother has been strong through this situation.  My mother faced the challenge and lost three sons.  At a young age, I promised my mom that I would try something different.  I will make it, and she will be taking care of.  I made good on my promise.  I am always working and want to keep getting better.  I will always go the extra mile.  I am ready to take the job from another man.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I like to relax and get some sleep.  I like to work out and train on my own.  I like to go out and watch movies.

 

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

 

Kevin Thompson:  I graduate this Saturday.  I want to have my own business.  I am thinking about a trucking company.  I am setting up my blueprints for it.  I want to retire before I am 35 years old.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have learned in life so far?

 

Kevin Thompson:  Take it how it comes.  Cherish the people around you.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

 

Kevin Thompson:  Relentless, my attitude as a whole, swagger, pride and work ethic.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I will go with Alabama.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

 

Kevin Thompson:  I will go with the Chiefs.  I like what Patrick Mahomes is doing.