2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Tariq Thompson, DB, San Diego State University

• Name: Tariq Thompson
• Position: DB
• College: San Diego State University 
• Height:5′ 11″
• Weight: 205 lbs 
• Twitter:@tariq__thompson
• Instagram: @riqtbw

1.What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

• What sets me apart is my intelligence level of football and my ability to read what happens on a play and my ball-hawking skills I feel like I can go after the ball really well.

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

• I would say Chad Johnson he was my favorite player growing up. And I liked his personality and celebrations and he had fun playing football. He was a great player and somebody I looked up to.

3.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

• The passing of my auntie, she was really close to me and my cousin. And she was really critical of what I did whether it was track or football. She made me strive to become the person I am today.

4.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

• My mindset is do anything to help my team win and anything less than that is a failure in my opinion.

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

• What made me decide I wanted to be a football player was my other cousin played and I loved competing with him and it drew me to football. I love football and all the people I have met and what football can bring for me.

6.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

• Winning a National Championship in youth football, it was something I had with a goal in mind and glad I achieved it.

7.What is your favorite workout?

• Back squat

8.What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

• Effort, intensity and passion if you have those things you can get to work.

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

• I bring positive and humble energy and I try to become the best football player and any chance I get to get better I need to take advantage of it.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

• A team would get a player dedicated to playing football and they should take a shot at me playing every day.

11.What were your favorite things about playing football for San Diego State University? 

• Playing in front of my hometown, playing with my brothers and and all the hard work I put in.

12.What role do you hope to have if you make it into the NFL?

• Whatever role any team wants me to fulfill I’m dedicated to playing any position.