The Washington Huskies have announced that their linebacker Shaq Thompson will forgo his senior season and declare for the 2015 NFL Draft. A linebacker first, Thompson also played running back for the Huskies this season along the same lines as UCLA’s Myles Jack has for the Bruins. On what was a talented defense, Thompson might be the best prospect of the bunch and could be the first off ball linebacker selected in this year’s NFL Draft. He was also the winner of the Paul Hornung Award.
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Listed 6’1″ 228lbs, Thompson carried the ball 61 times for 456 yards and two touchdowns as well as catching four passes on offense for another 56 yards. Defensively, Thompson actually scored more points with four touchdowns overall; three on fumble returns and one on an interception. He also recorded 51 solo tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, two forced fumbles and three pass deflections this season.
Thompson’s ability to contribute in coverage as well as play downhill will make him not only a commodity when the draft rolls around, but which linebacker spot he plays in the NFL may depend on the team that picks him. Although needing to continue adding bulk, Thompson could play in a number of different spots depending on the defensive scheme.