West Coast athlete has interest in UF

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Sacramento (Calif.) Grant defensive back Syd’Quan Thompson is arguably one of the Golden State’s top football prospects and proved that during the Nike combine at Stanford. Thompson did not test because of an injury, but participated in drills and fared well for being injured.

“I had a pulled groin, so I didn’t run the 40 or I didn’t do any time stuff,” Thompson said. “But I did do the drills and I did a little bit of one-on-ones. I don’t remember their names (wide receivers), but I just remember the coaches matched me up with them and saying they were big-time receivers. So I got a good challenge out there. I think I did well for having my groin being pulled, but I think I could have done better.”

After his Nike combine performance, Rivals released its rankings and Thompson (5-11, 180 pounds) was named the No. 66 prospect in the country, as well as a four-star athlete and No. 5-ranked cornerback.

“I am getting a lot of big-time looks right now and a lot of mail coming and a lot of new offers starting to come,” he said. “I think I have about nine or 10 offers -- Oklahoma, Oregon, Arizona, Arizona State, UCLA, Cal, Washington and Boise St. are some of my offers.”

One team that extended a verbal offer to Thompson was Florida. Defensive coordinator Charlie Strong called Thompson in May and told him that UF was recruiting him, but that was the last Thompson heard from UF.

“They were supposed to send me an offer, but I am not sure what happened,” Thompson said. “They are sending me mail and when I talked with the coach he said he was suppose to be sending me one, but I haven’t received one yet.

“That is a team I would like to hear from. I was more surprised than excited (when they offered) because I didn’t think they were interested in me and really looking at me. Ever since then, they started sending me mail.”

Thompson, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds, is hoping that UF will send an offer or call when the recruiting dead period ends so he can see how serious UF is about recruiting him.

“I think they know what I am capable of doing on the field,” Thompson said. “My interest right now is getting to know the coaching staff a little better and information about their school and their program. I am interested in how many upcoming seniors they have leaving next year and how many people I have to beat out for my position.”

Thompson has said before in other Rivals.com interviews that he had a top five, but that is no longer the case.

“I really don’t have a top five right now,” he said. “I want to keep my options open right now and I don’t want to say what my top five is and colleges start looking away from me. I hope to hear from everybody.

“I have a lot of questions for all the coaches that are recruiting me. Some of the things I am looking at are education and how the living style is around there. Also, if I get injured will they still keep my scholarship or will they look at me different.”

Thompson has already scheduled an official visit to Oklahoma in October. He added that he would like to take unofficial visits to Cal and UCLA later this summer.

As a junior, Thompson started at running back and cornerback. He had three interceptions and 85 tackles on defense. On offense, Thompson said he ran for more than 1,000 yards and had more than 500 yards receiving. Then on special team, he said he had more than 500 yards on both punt and kickoff returns.

“Most schools are looking at me to play defensive back and special teams,” he said. “Some other schools are looking for me to play receiver and special teams. I look at myself as an athlete. I like to play everything but I think I want to play defensive back and special teams.”

Thompson said that he has a 3.4 GPA and scored an 850 on his SAT. Thompson plays point guard for the basketball team at Grant and will starting running track his senior year.

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