Keytaon

Thompson

Thompson (6'4/210) originally suited up at quarterback injury his time at Mississippi State, but ultimately found his calling at different position (and with a change of scenery, leaving the SEC). He projects as a Swiss Army knife type of player and his future has gotten much brighter since he switched positions and conferences. Some analysts have high expectations for Thompson heading into the upcoming season, including Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus. Treash listed Thompson above Marvin Mims and behind Mario Williams as his No. 7 receiver in his national rankings.

(6'4"/210) is truly a Swiss Army knife type of player and what‘s starting to be referred to in the NFL as “Deebo Samuel type” as he can virtually line up anywhere on the field. No matter where you put him he’s a playmaker as his 22 missed tackles lead the ACC. With the return of Brennan Armstrong and one of the heavier passing offenses in the country, there will be plenty of opportunities for Thompson to excel again.

The position may sound strange, but that is actually what Virginia considers him, and they call him that due to his versatility. Thompson (6'4"/210) came out of high school as a QB, but has become more of a WR/RB hybrid since hitting the college ranks. 2021 was by far his best season as he transitioned to mostly a WR. He had 77 catches for 973 yards, and a further 247 yards rushing which put him over 1000 from scrimmage. Thompson also scored six total touchdowns, and was a Second Team All-ACC selection. Thompson really came alive in the second half of the season, averaging 115 yards from scrimmage and scoring five times in his last seven games. If he can keep that up he’ll hear his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Thompson (6'4"/215) used his speed to great effect all day, getting a step on defenders on slants and crossers that let Armstrong use his prodigious arm to rocket passes in small windows. His touchdown catch was a simple timing hitch route which allowed him to get open for just enough time for Armstrong to fit it in for the score. The run was more impressive, as he took the handoff, shook off two defenders in the open field in walked into the end zone for six. He’s being used more recently, and has now surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage in four straight games. Thompson is a dynamic athlete that can really hurt a defense in many ways, and he has a chance to break 1000 yards receiving (he’s already past it in yards from scrimmage) next week against Virginia Tech.

Thompson (6'4/215) was the safety valve for freshman QB Jay Woolfolk, and was mostly catching the ball between the hashes and for short yardage. He did have a 28-yard catch, however, and the two just missed on a touchdown throw from much longer. Thompson has become much more involved in this passing game, and the former Mississippi State quarterback will see his fair share of targets next Saturday against Pitt regardless of who is under center for the Cavaliers.

Thompson (6'4/215), the former quarterback, has reinvented himself as a pass catcher in Charlottesville. His touchdown was his first receiving touchdown of the season, and it came on a key fourth down conversion late in the third quarter, which gave the Hoos a 49-45 lead heading to the fourth. That was the last points the Cavaliers would score. To make matters worse, QB Brennan Armstrong suffered an injury to his ribs. The Cavaliers are back at it Nov. 13 after the bye against Notre Dame at Scott Stadium.

The former quarterback Thompson (6'4/215) is continuing to adjust well being on the receiving end of the football. He has over 50 yards receiving in four of five games and averaged over 13 yards per catch. As he gets better, he can be a big contributor for the Cavaliers in an ACC conference that is wide open. Virginia will be on the road next Saturday against Louisville.

Thompson, the former Mississippi State quarterback who didn’t pan out under Joe Moorhead, shifted positions at UVA after losing out in the QB derby to Brennan Armstrong. HC Bronco Mendenhall has managed to turn Thompson into an extremely usable offensive piece. In addition to Thompson’s receiving work this afternoon, he chipped in four carries for 24 yards and a TD on the ground, and he also attempted a pass.

Thompson (6'4/215), who was used all over the field last season, suffered broken ribs in the Cavaliers’ season finale against Virginia Tech. The time to recover has been just what the doctor ordered for the redshirt junior, who is at full strength as fall camp approaches. Back in the spring Virginia HC Bronco Mendenhall said that the Cavaliers plan to have Thompson in more situations where he can throw the ball. As part of a quarterback platoon Thompson was used more as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher, as he attempted just three passes in 2020.

In his first season at Virginia after beginning his college career at Mississippi State, Thompson (6'4/215) was part of a platoon at the quarterback position but attempted just three passes. The plan for the redshirt junior this fall is to give him more opportunities in the passing game, but Thompson will remain a “Swiss army knife” of sorts for the Cavaliers. He’ll be used at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end, and he will also get some reps on special teams.