Video: Shaq Thompson discusses National Signing DayOn "Opening Night," 2016's version of Super Bowl Media Day, former
Grant (Sacramento, Calif.) star and Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker
Shaq Thompson was asked repeatedly the proverbial "How's it going?"
And Thompson answered emphatically each time: "I feel great," with the vigor of Tony the Tiger.
Shaq Thompson, during his senior year at Grant.
File photo by Anthony Brunsman
And what could be better?
After completing his lifelong dream to make it to the NFL, the second-team MaxPreps All-American at Grant is in football's pinnacle game at Levi's Stadium, about 115 miles from he grew up. MaxPreps host and reporter Zack Poff caught up with the 2014 Paul Horning Award winner, given to the nation's most versatile college football player, and Thompson gave some thoughtful, sincere answers.
"It's a commitment for life," Thompson told Poff about signing his National Letter of Intent to Washington, where he played four different positions — linebacker, running back, slot receiver and safety. "Once you sign that paper, you better love it. It's a blessed experience, so embrace it. It really doesn't happen to a lot of people."
The chiseled 6-foot, 224-pounder was a baseball standout — he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 18th round in 2012 — and track star at Grant, where he did absolutely everything on the football field, including play quarterback.
Thompson, who signed a four-year, $8.8 million contract after being selected 25th overall in the NFL draft, said he does everything for his family, city and school. Grant is located in a rough part of Sacramento, but had tremendous success on and off the field. He'll never forget where he came from, he said, but encourages kids to always branch out.
"I want to show kids that you can make it out regardless," he said. "You have to put your mind to it, put your hard work into it and then you can make it out."
Though always grateful, Shaq Thompson left his high school career long behind.
File photo by Anthony Brunsman
