By Dean Eversole
MaxPreps.com
Parkway's Jordan Thompson is a three-sport star who has lettered in baseball, football, and basketball since his freshman season. Now entering his senior season, Thompson is looking to take his career to the next level.
"I would really like to play football in college," Thompson said. "I have visited Air Force and been to a lot of camps this season."
With his name in circulation, Thompson is relying on his skills to reel in a scholarship.
"The schools are waiting for the season to see how I do and then go from there," Thompson said. "If I don't make it in football, I turn my focus on baseball."
Last season playing quarterback, Thompson rolled up 600 yards rushing and threw for over 1,000 yards, but it is on defense where Thompson really enjoys playing. From his middle linebacker spot he recorded 157 tackles and earned conference defensive player of the year. No small feat playing in a conference that has produced the likes of Ohio State's Ross Homan, Bobby Hoying and Jim Lachey.
"If I play in college it will be defense," Thompson said. "I just like to hit people and really enjoy playing defense."
Thompson's desire to hit people comes from being the youngest of three boys. His older siblings Ryan and Tyler are credited for making Jordan "tough."
"Ryan and Tyler helped make me tough and mom always says that I grew up at the baseball diamond watching them play baseball," Thompson said.
But it is a heavenly source that Thompson says gives him the most inspiration.
"My father passed away when I was only five years old," Thompson said. "Every time I step out on the field I know he is watching me and I don't want to disappoint him."
Jordan also credits his mom for helping him through the difficult times off the field along with being the president of the Thompson fan club.
"My mom's second grade class is my biggest fan. At every game they are there cheering me on and yelling for me," Thompson said.
There is little doubt that Thompson possesses the skills to play at the next level, but showcasing those skills is a challenge. Parkway Schools are located in Rockford a small town tucked away on the Indiana border. Parkway's geographic location is so obscure that one Division I college noted they did not even have a scout who covered the area. It is a dilemma many high school athletes face.
The other obstacle for Thompson is the fact Parkway is a good team surrounded by great teams. The Midwest Athletic Conference (MAC) has produced numerous state champions, including two champs last season, making it very difficult on a program in transition.
"It is frustrating at times (playing a tough schedule), but there is nothing you can do about it," Thompson said. "Our goal this year is to make the playoffs and with 11 experienced seniors I think we can do it."
If the Panthers reach that plateau, Thompson will certainly have played a crucial role. Entering his fourth season, Thompson has already established himself as the leader on and off the field. As a junior he was chosen as team captain, this year he will assume that role again.
On the field, he is the main weapon in Parkway's option offense and the defensive enforcer. Thompson is arguably the best player in the MAC and he's hoping that will translate into victories in 2007. Regardless of how his team ends up there is one certainty about Jordan Thompson; he is a diamond in the rough, waiting to be discovered.