2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: John Thompson, LB/S, Benedictine University (IL)

• Name: John Thompson
• Position: LB/S
• College: Benedictine University(IL)
• Height: 6’ 0”
• Weight: 203 lbs
• X: @jthompson4111
• Instagram: @jthompson.41

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I’ve decided to really pursue this when I realized through it all I still had a fire under my belt to play the game. Wins, losses, and everything put up against me. I know God put me here to play the game.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments is what it takes to be prepared to play. So that at the end, I have no excuses for what I did because I did everything I could to be prepared.  Film, recovery, practice, getting taped. Specific routines.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My parents because they brought the game up to me. And they always knew what kind of player I would be.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love that It’s the greatest team sport there ever is. As a competitor, I love the challenges that are against me with the game.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

I would hang out with Jamal Adams. I think we have a similar play style. A safety and linebacker hybrid position.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Benedictine?

I love playing at Benedictine because I have coaches who believe and trust me to play multiple positions on the field. I’ve always knew that I could play multiple spots and they have given me that opportunity.

What should we know about John Thompson the person?

The things you should know about me is that I’m a very simple and understanding person. I think that’s very important to come by. My time and attention is very valuable to me.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme is anything with a disguise. Cover 2, man coverage, and cover 4 disguises to be exact. Anything to deceive the quarterback.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Challenges in any aspect I face just go back to the fact that I know God has put me here to play this game. I’ll always keep it pushing even if it’s at one percent. I’ve known how it feels be at the bottom, and I’ve been climbing the mountain ever since.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team that gets me is getting every ounce of energy, blood, sweat, and tears out of me. I only know how to keep going. And I’m a person to know that the only option is to outwork and be a student of the game.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out about my film is that I gave 100% of energy and effort in every play. No person on the field will give more effort than I will. Everybody is one for one in retiring from the game. So for now, I view every play as it’s my last.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve played with is a nose tackle named Jose Barragan from my junior year here at Benedictine. It’s hard for nose tackles to have big credit to their name.  But Jose was a force on the line and dominated in pass and run game and he should have more credit.