OG Alex Thompson (Charleston Southern) Interview

Alex Thompson
Offensive Guard
Charleston Southern

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

Alex Thompson: I am 6’2, 310 and I haven’t run the forty yet.

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

Alex Thompson: At the school with our strength and speed coach.

Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?

Alex Thompson: It should be in the middle of March. They haven’t set a specific date yet, but they will do it soon. We have five other guys besides me.

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

Alex Thompson: Coming out of high school, Georgia Tech was heavily recruiting me. They wanted me as a preferred walk-on. They saw my highlight tape late. They were checking in on my test scores. I took the SAT test four times. I didn’t get the required score.

Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Charleston Southern?

Alex Thompson: Charleston Southern was my only offer. They offered me a preferred walk-on position. Before my junior year, I earned the scholarship.

Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?

Alex Thompson: My speed and footwork. I am also a heavy hitter on contact.

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

Alex Thompson: One area of my game that I need to improve on is the patience with my pass sets. I am so quick in attacking the opponent off the line, it hurts me sometimes.

Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.

Alex Thompson: I started playing my sophomore year. I was recruited as an OL. Our defensive coach saw my speed and agility. They used me as a TE and DT. I played 50-50 my sophomore year. Then they switched me to OL before my junior year. I was a jack of all trades. They moved me back. I started my junior year. Then we got a new coach, and I didn’t play my senior year. I was a backup.

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

Alex Thompson: Going up against DeMarcus Walker from FSU my junior year. He had like eight sacks against Ole Miss the game before. He played me, and I held my own. I shut him down.

Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Alex Thompson: Winning back-to-back Big South Championships.

Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

Alex Thompson: Basically, breaking down defensive schemes, checking out tendencies and opponents’ blitz packages.

Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?

Alex Thompson: Taylor Lewan brings the same passion as me. We are very similar in terms of our technique.

Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?

Alex Thompson: Most important trait is patience. Be patient with footwork and reading the opponent.

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

Alex Thompson: First, I am looking at the footing of the D-linemen, which way they are stunting. Then I check the heaviness of the hand that tells you if the bull rush is coming.

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

Alex Thompson: Keep an eye on RB Terrence Wilson. WR Kameron Brown is a great player.

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

Alex Thompson: DeMarcus Walker from FSU.

Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?

Alex Thompson: I have the love for the game. I am expressing my passion.

Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?

Alex Thompson: A person who can take a group of people and show, command and organize them for the specific task.

Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?

Alex Thompson: I like listening to music.

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

Alex Thompson: I want to be a pharmacist. I majored in biology.