Cody Thompson
Wide Receiver
Toledo
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the 2019 East/West Shrine Game.
Cody Thompson: It felt great to just get out here and compete. To go at full speed. Our bowl game was on the 21st, seems like it was years away. It is a little different learning the new system, studying and preparing for this day. Once you get out there, things slow down a little bit.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to prove to scouts during this week?
Cody Thompson: Coming from a smaller conference like the MAC, you get the stigma that you don’t play against great competition. Playing against these guys and these amazing athletes. Just competing against the best. It is my main goal here. Have fun and show what I can do.
Alex Khvatov: You had a couple of injuries in college. Tell us about overcoming those hardships.
Cody Thompson: In 2015, I tore my right labrum during camp. I decided to wait for surgery until the season ended. I had surgery on that. I had a productive season. I led the team in receiving that year. In the fifth game of the 2017 season, I broke my right ankle. It was a tough moment for me. I came back and got that medical redshirt. I had a second senior year. I wanted to show that there were no limitations in my game. I am excited to be here. Can’t wait for the game on Saturday.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the toughest cornerback in practice at the Shrine Game?
Cody Thompson: All of the corners played well today. I was just focusing on my alignment and assignments. I could give you a better feel for it as the week goes on.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Cody Thompson: I am a physical player. I am very versatile. I can play outside and inside. I move around a lot. I made a lot of those contested downfield catches at Toledo. A lot of those 50-50 balls. I am looking to make some plays downfield this week.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Cody Thompson: Just getting quicker. Some scouts said that I looked a lot quicker out here today than I did during my senior year. I have put in a lot of hard work after the season. It is a testament to that. I am trying to create that top end separation. It is harder to get than in college.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Cody Thompson: A lot of fun games. Graduating was awesome. I am getting my master’s right now. I had a long career there. So many things to think of.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college?
Cody Thompson: After getting hurt, just fighting through that adversity. Battling back with all of the rehab treatment. Seeing the game from the sidelines helped me learn more about the X’s and O’s. I understand the mental part of the game more now. I have made some leaps and bounds with my game.
Alex Khvatov: What one word best describes you?
Cody Thompson: Physical.
