How this Rutgers football defensive end, NJ native is 'getting a stronghold' on his position
PISCATAWAY – Rutgers football defensive end Jordan Thompson is already in his fourth season with the Scarlet Knights, a fact the Parsippany Hills graduate even finds hard to believe.
“It went by way too fast,” Thompson said following Rutgers’ practice on Tuesday.
But he’s made the most of each one of those seasons.
The 6-foot-2, 273-pound Thompson steadily developed into a formidable presence for the Scarlet Knights’ defense, so much so that he earned the chance to start in the team’s season opening win over Howard with Wesley Bailey sidelined.
Bailey’s status for Saturday’s game against Akron (noon, Big Ten Network) at SHI Stadium is unclear, so there’s a chance Thompson gets the starting nod once again.
“When my number’s called,” Thompson said, “I just want to do whatever I can to help our team win.”
Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano says there's nothing Jordan Thompson can't do
Thompson last season recorded 25 tackles and an interception (against Temple), impressing the coaching staff in the process.
Greg Schiano on Wednesday offered high praise.
“Jordan played really well last year in the action that he received,” Schiano said. “Now he’s playing the starting job and he’s doing a great job. He’s really getting a stronghold on the position. He’s just got to keep doing it play in and play out. But there’s nothing he can’t do. He can rush the passer, he can play well against the run. He’s very smart, tough, intelligent. I think we’re fortunate to have him.”
Thompson committed to Rutgers back in March of 2020 as part of the 2021 recruiting class – at the time of his commitment, Parsippany Hills coach Dave Albano said it was his “dream school.”
Now playing for defensive line coach Colin Ferrell and defensive ends coach Julian Campenni, Thompson said he feels he’s made considerable strides even since spring practices.
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“I feel like every year, just from the strength staff and the coaches like Coach Camp, Coach Ferrell – Coach Camp, he’s taught me a lot. I feel like I made a huge jump from the spring, summer to training camp and the season. I feel like every year I keep making improvements.”
Akron QB Tahj Bullock will present challenge for Jordan Thompson, Rutgers football defensive front
The challenge for the entire defensive line against Akron will be to contain the Zips’ Tahj Bullock, a dual-threat quarterback out of Saint Peter’s Prep in Jersey City.
Bullock, who’s in a two-quarterback system with Ben Finley, has a similar skillset as Howard quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins, who managed to do some damage with his legs at times against Rutgers (he rushed for 67 yards on 12 carries).
“I think we just need to cage rush better,” said Thompson, whom Pro Football Focus credited with two hurries and one hit on the quarterback against Howard. “Overall we’ve been working on it in practice.”
Whether Thompson starts against Akron or not, he’s earned the trust of his coaching staff and teammates.
“He’s progressed,” fellow defensive end Aaron Lewis said. “I feel like he’s a guy who just does his job.”
And in his fourth season with Rutgers, Thompson still relishes the chance to play for his state.
“I’m from Jersey so playing in front of a Jersey crowd is amazing,” Thompson said.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Rutgers football vs Akron: Jordan Thompson stepping up for defense
