Football season might have ended in November, but Plant City wideout Antoine Thompson has been working as hard as ever. The junior’s recent performances in camps and combines netted him nine NCAA Division 1 offers this month — including one from his “dream school,” the University of Miami, last week.
Huge offseason for you, with all of these D-I offers coming your way. You’ve always loved “the U,” and now they’ve offered you a scholarship. What was that like?
It was sweet. I just went down there this past Tuesday, to the first padded practice and whatnot. They offered me Tuesday. It was right after the visit.
Did you work out with them?
I didn’t work out with them. I watched practice, watched the way they do things and got to meet the new coaching staff.
What’s it like, with Mark Richt coaching now?
He’s letting the players play loose, fast football. The intensity is up.
Sounds like you’re pretty happy about this, then.
That’s been my dream school since I was 5 years old. I was going to the Orange Bowl. Those experiences are always in your memory.
What’s going to influence your final decision?
It’s not about the offers. It’s about where I feel comfortable — where I fit in at. Where I’m going to get a big chance to play as a freshman.
Have any schools, other than Miami, made you feel that way yet?
I also went to UCF Wednesday, right after the Miami visit, and I had a blast over there. It was a sweet experience, my first time on campus. I like their offensive style, and they got coach Scott Frost from Oregon.
You’ve already been doing events all over the place this offseason. What’s on your plate next?
Really, just the grind. I want to be the number one receiver in the state of Florida — in the nation, really — so I’m just going to keep grinding, keep working toward that.
There was one game last season where you wore Clemson gloves, which I got a photo of, so I wasn’t sure where you stood within the ACC. I’m assuming you didn’t show that picture to coach Richt.
Nah. I just got the gloves from my teammate, Tavares Chase. I look up to him. He taught me a lot about the game of football.
Wearing dreads, wearing jersey number 3 and Clemson gloves — that’s almost exactly what T.J. looked like in his sophomore year too.
Hey, but my film is nasty too. I had a great year last year. We went 11-2, made it to the third round of the playoffs. This year, I hope that we go to states. Stay tuned.
Clearly, your film’s been making its rounds. A lot of people know exactly what you do well on the field. But where do you think you need to improve?
Mainly, attacking the football. I want to learn how to attack the football at the highest point and really show my size and my ability.
You’re out there playing wideout and defensive back. What’s your preference?
Wide receiver, most definitely. Last year, I had to jump in on defense, but this year, I’m going to play a big role on defense also.
Based on what I saw, you only came off of the field for a couple of plays per game. How hard is that on your body?
Not really. I take care of my body when I’m at home. I eat proper foods and get good rest. I run track, so I do a lot of running.
What’s your favorite game day meal?
Baked chicken, rice and green beans.
What sports have you not tried, but always wanted to?
I always wanted to try baseball. I like stealing the bases — that’s pretty cool.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
Antonio Brown, from the Steelers. I look up to him. I just watch him on YouTube all the time. He’s probably the best route runner in the NFL right now.
Is Pittsburgh your team?
No, I just like Antonio Brown. I actually grew up as a New England Patriots fan. I played for the Dover Patriots in little league.
What NFL team would you most want to play for?
Tampa Bay Bucs. I want to be at home, where everybody could come watch me.
How’s your GPA?
I’ve got a 3.1.
What do you want to major in at college?
Communications or business.
A kid comes up to you and says he wants to be just like you, on the football field. What advice do you give him?
Practice all the time. Work on what you do best. Practice your craft.