He spent the earlier part of his career deciding which side of the ball he would be most effective on, and though he has been adding weight to become an elite defender, University of Alabama safety Deionte Thompson is now equipped to be a dynamic force in Nick Saban’s secondary.
At the conclusion of the College Football Playoff Selection Show on Sunday, the Crimson Tide was given a second chance – as it moved to the No. 4 seed. Happiness ensued all over campus, but rest assured on Saban and strength coach Scott Cochran using every form of motivation.
Reasons for Thompson seizing this moment lie within his position group.
It has been all but confirmed when it comes to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison (both juniors) declaring for the upcoming NFL Draft. No matter what the future holds for Tony Brown, Anthony Averett, Levi Wallace and Hootie Jones, all four will leave following the playoff.
Matchups versus Clemson and a pending national championship game – should Alabama defeat the Tigers – are opportunities for the native Texan to step into a leadership role.
Thompson has been a game-changer on special teams, and when he has taken the field on defense, he’s excited fans with big tackles, crushing hits and forcing a turnover. The former four-star prospect snatched his first career interception during the Tide’s home finale against Mercer.
He filled in for Fitzpatrick on that Saturday (Nov. 18) and totaled five tackles, one tackle for loss and one interception off Bears’ quarterback Kaelan Riley. Prior to the game, Saban mentioned Thompson in a presser in terms of wanting to develop him into being a winning football player.
When he is on the field, Thompson displays winning traits.
Not only does he tackle well, but he also pays attention to details, understands where he needs to be in relation to certain plays, and knows how to attack the ball. His increased time shall come at the expense of Hootie Jones (knee); however, it is better now than never in Thompson’s case.
Through 12 games, he is credited with 18 tackles (12 solo), one tackle for loss and one interception. Next season will unarguably be his defensive backfield to run, and what better practice is there than to get him action in prime-time moments.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
