When it comes to defensive back recruiting, the Longhorns have had the luxury of getting to be very selective following their historic haul in 2018 that included Anthony Cook, D’Shawn Jamison, Jalen Green, BJ Foster, Caden Sterns and DeMarvion Overshown. For the 2020 class, the Longhorns have looked both inside and outside the state of Texas for quality corners and safeties, including Lufkin S Jerrin Thompson. Thompson has been on Texas’ radar for a while, but an offer in late July really put the Longhorns in strong position and showed how much Texas was interested. It turned out to be a mutual interest, with Thompson shutting down his recruitment and pledging to the Longhorns.
Thompson is a highly sought after prospect from east Texas. The Longhorns fended off TCU, Baylor, Arkansas and Oklahoma State for the 16th ranked safety in the country, according to the 247sports composite rankings. Thompson took official visits to TCU, Arkansas and Oklahoma State, but ultimately committed to Texas without using an official visit.
Film Analysis
Player Information
Name: Jerrin Thompson
Position: S
High School: Lufkin
City & State: Lufkin, Texas
Measurables
Height: 6’0
Weight: 180
40-yard time: 4.61
Shuttle: 4.20
Hudl
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/8438527/5ba14a7923474e05608ead1f
Three Best Traits:
|
Three Areas for Improvement:
|
Summary
Texas may have been offered Thompson later than many of the other schools recruiting him, but it is easy to see why they turned up the heat. Thompson profiles very well for the type of player the Longhorns covet in the secondary. He is very rangy and athletic while also possessing the ability to strike in the run game. In terms of position fit, he will likely end up stick at safety or move to nickel, but regardless, the Longhorns will be getting someone who has a mean streak to his game. While he has some cleaning up to do in pass coverage, he already does a good job of breaking on balls and finding them while they are in the air.
Final Verdict
Thompson will join a loaded secondary on the 40 acres, especially at the safety position. This will likely allow him to get his feet wet for the first year or two before he is asked to be a major contributor on the defensive side of the ball, but he is likely to see the field on special teams almost immediately. The addition of Thompson gives the Longhorns another quality safety prospect who has the capability of making a major impact by the end of his time on the 40 acres.