2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dwayne Thompson II, DB, Valdosta State University

• Name: Dwayne Thompson II
• Position: DB
• College: Valdosta State University(Transfer from Indiana State)
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 195 lbs
• Twitter: @DwayneT_182

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Football was just something that stuck with me since I was a kid. the more fun I had, the better I wanted to become so the NFL was a goal I set for myself early on.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would hang out with Ed Reed to watch film and take notes to improve my game.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

The best way I can describe my energy is calm, confident and enthusiastic. An energy that lets my teammates and coaches trust me on the field, this trust allows me to be a vocal, lead by example player for whatever unit I’m apart of.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from football would have to be the relationships I made with teammates and coaches over the years. Second to that would be any chance I got at competing, these last couple of months really gave me more appreciation for the game and taking advantage anytime I get the opportunity to play. Other than those I have one specific play that I would consider my favorite. I intercepted a back shoulder fade in a high school game, it felt so surreal that I won’t ever forget that memory.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mom has always been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. Growing up I watched her work countless hours and over night shifts while being a full time student. She never complained or made excuses in hard times. Her attitude towards life instilled a work ethic in me that I apply to football and all aspects of my life.

What should we know about Dwayne Thompson II the person?

Something people should know about Dwayne Thompson is that my pursuit of the NFL not only comes from my love for the game, it also comes from the opportunity I could have to help my family and make a positive impact in my community.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

I like the competitiveness of man coverage but my favorite part of defense is reading concepts as a underneath defender (curl/flat or hook) or as the middle of the field safety.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to seeing the progress I made this off-season, and getting Valdosta State back to the national championship.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I look at challenges as opportunities for me to grow as a better person/athlete, so I make sure I approach the challenge with the right mindset to over come it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A reliable professional who will show up every day ready to work, and can help create a hard working player led culture.

What is a moment that improved you as a football player?

I think something that made me a better football player was having to play center and defensive end my first two years of little league, I feel like those years developed a chip on my shoulder that I had to use to compete against bigger kids. I still use that “chip on my shoulder” mentality in my game today.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I played with was an LB named Clayton Glasco, I say this because I thought he checked all the boxes for an OLB. He could go sideline to sideline, was physical, had ball skills, was agile and ran at least 4.6/4.5, and had a good film. I don’t think he got a fair shot at the league because of his height and our program at the time (Indiana state). He just finished his first season of arena ball, he is now pursuing XFL opportunities.