2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chris Thompson, DB, Faulkner University

• Name: Chris Thompson
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: Faulkner University
• Height: 5’9
• Weight: 190
• Twitter: @ChrisThomp5on
• Instagram: chris.thomp98_

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?

For me, it’s my ability to play any position in the secondary. I have great hips and footwork to play man coverage and I am also disciplined to play zone coverage as well. Adding my physicality, I can bump down and play Nickel and play in the run fits as a Safety as well. I am very versatile. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I started playing football at the age of 4. I was one of the smallest but I enjoyed running around and tackling. Football brought me happiness growing up.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

That I am a sponge when it comes to learning concepts or taking the coaching. I desire to get 1% better every day, so I approach everything as an opportunity to learn and better myself not only as an athlete but also as an individual. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

To those that are in need of food. I feel like regardless of any circumstance, no human being should ever starve and be without a meal. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

I was once told that “everyone has the same 24-hour clock but it’s up to you what you choose to do with it if you want to be successful.” 

Who was your childhood hero?

Growing up it was my Dad. He was always there for me in my brightest and darkest moments. He showed me what hard work and sacrifice should look like.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

I would say Tyland Simpson. He has all the ability and athleticism in the world. Adding on to his football IQ, I would definitely say that he’s going to turn heads this upcoming season and in the future.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is people who talk about being great but don’t like to put in the work. For me, actions have always meant more than words. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment for me is when I broke my leg after the 2019 season. Going into the covid year I didn’t have proper rehab and I basically played the covid season with a fractured leg. I didn’t feel like the same player and it was hard getting back into the best shape and best mental state of myself. I went back and found my why and what motivated me to be the best version of myself and I gained my confidence back. Going through that brought out the best of me and made me want it more than ever.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Faulkner is a small campus mostly, but the thing I love most about it is the close-knit family environment. It’s a home away from home and the hospitality and support for the Football program are second to none. The coaches are dedicated to developing us into men and it shows a day in and day out. I don’t think it gets much better than that. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack would probably be the Mike&Ikes candy.

What is the best part of football?

The brotherhood and relationships that stimulate by the game. You build bonds with other guys that can never be broken, and some of those guys end up being your lifelong friends. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I would say that I am versatile and always open to exercising my full potential. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Chauncey Gardner Johnson is the first that comes to mind. He excels playing man coverage and also flies around the field and makes tons of plays for the Saints. I also love the personality he has on and off the field. A true standup guy.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Lebron James, Russel Wilson, Denzel Washington. These three guys have insurmountable success not only in their respected careers but also as regular individuals. The wisdom they share and also the way they are successful in their careers have always played a pivotal role in how I approach the game of football and how I carry myself as a man. Just to have an hour of their time would shape me for the better I believe. They have always done it the right way.