Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama #14
6010, 195, 4.50
Notes: From Orange, TX. Parents both competed in athletics in high school and college. His father played baseball and his mother was on the basketball and track squads. Both also earned their degrees, emphasized academics, and encouraged Thompson to stay committed to the Alabama when frustrated by lack of playing time as an underclassman. Redshirted as a freshman in 2015. Played in 14 games, mostly on special teams, in 2016; registered 9 tackles. Allegedly involved in a brawl during spring break at Crystal Beach, being accused of kicking an 18-year-old male in the head while on the ground. There were witnesses who claimed Thompson was involved and witnesses who claimed he wasn't. He and three other people were indicted on second-degree felony aggravated assault charge in October 2017. His defense attorney and the Galveston County assistant district attorney agreed to a continuance that postponed a jury trial to "some future date." He has maintained his innocence and was never suspended. "It seems like a lot of nothing with everything we can find out about," Alabama coach Nick Saban said at the time. "It seems like a lot of nothing with everything we can find out about," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said last summer. Thompson played in every game, seing rotational playing time behind future NFL prospects (Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison, Anthony Averett, Levi Wallace and Hootie Jones) on defense and a prominent role on special teams. When Jones was injured, he started the team's final two playoff games and finished with 25 tackles, 1 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception and 2 pass breakups in 2017. Earned his undergraduate degree in environmental science and took additional online courses during the fall semester of 2018. Emerged as a big-play leader in the secondary in 2018, posting 78 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 INT and 6 PBU in 14 games. Combine – measured 6010, 195; did not run or jump.
Positives: Rangy and athletic with nice length, excellent quickness and good speed. True centerfield who can makes plays all over the field in all phases. Effective in zone or man-to-man situations on pass defense. Can get to the deep third against the pass. Has a nose for the ball. Fine instincts and anticipation. Very quick to read, diagnose, react and flash to the play. Excellent hips, flexibility and change of direction. Very quick-twitch and agile. Knows how to play receivers without over-using his hands. Willing run defender and reliable open-field tackler. Breaks down and tackles vs. going for the big hit only. Can step down in the box and take on blockers on run support. Has shown improved maturity and commitment to film study and become more a student of the game.
Negatives: Somewhat narrow frame and isn't a classic in-the-box force. Somewhat inconsistent with his angles to the ball. Almost over-aggressive and a bit reckless at times, bringing modest concern about long-term durability. A bit out of control at times as a tackler. Has had prior off-field issues.
Summary: Talented player who can step in and be a versatile, all-over-the-field single high safety with great range against the pass and a nose for the action.
