It's Thursday, we're droppin' 35.
We've got 35 days until kickoff...so today we'll be highlighting #35 on the Boise State roster—Darian Thompson
#35, Darian Thompson, RS Freshman, DB
Stats
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 195 lbs.
High School: Paraclete High School, Lancaster, CA
How'd he get to The Blue™?
Thompson had a solid football career at Paraclete High School and finished it off with a bang. As a senior with the Spirits, Thompson was named All-CIF and All-Valley Defensive Most Valuable Player, which makes it not entirely surprising that he was also made All-CIF, all-valley and all-league teams. Thompson finished his senior year with 74 tackles, 7 interceptions, 8 PBUs and 2 interception returns for TDs. On offense, Thompson also contributed in a big way, catching 52 passes for 953 yards and 13 touchdowns—both school records for a single season. As a junior, Thompson made 40 tackles, 4 INTs and 4 PBUs, for which he earned a 2nd team all-league nod. Thompson was given a 76 rating by ESPN's recruiting service and a position ranking of 105, nationally. Thompson drew interest from Fresno State and Oregon State, but the Broncos were the only team to pull the trigger. Our gain.
Nickname
"D-Money"
This one courtesy of Mr. Andrew Bernard
nl
Look-a-like
Billy Winn mini me
Career highlights
All-CIF Most Valuable Defensive Player honors in 2010. Named to All-CIF and All-Valley first team on defense. Single-season school records in 2010 for receiving yards and TDs.
2012 prospectus
Thompson's "DB" label on the Broncosports roster makes him much more inconspicuous when floating possible secondary depth charts, but he's a guy that we definitely shouldn't discount...I think he could be very much in the safety mix this season. Thompson has bulked up a bit from his redshirt year—15 lbs. worth, to be exact—and has a decent-sized frame for either of the safety spots, but I imagine that free safety would be more in line with his skill set. A year ago, I would've predicted that Thompson and Loffler would be the leading candidates to replace George Iloka...this, of course, was before Loffler's knee took another beating and Lee Hightower lit up idea light bulbs throughout the coaching staff by looking scary good for a true frosh. Now, most think that the FS spot is Hightower's to lose, and the depth chart released at MWC media days suggests that another RS frosh, Eric Agbaroji is nipping at his heels. Although, the MWC depth chart came with a disclaimer to take only with a grain of salt, it looks like Thompson may have plenty of competition if he wants to see the field this Fall. If he plays well enough, the coaches will find a place for him, but keep in mind that Thompson is still young and this is far from his last shot at a slot. If either Ioane or Hightower become entrenched at their safety positions, it may be worthwhile for Thompson to get some snaps in elsewhere in the secondary or become the greatest special teamer of all time. Time will tell where he'll eventually end up, but his considerable skills indicate that he'll be an important cog in the Bronco machine for the next 4 years.
Completely made up fact
Two words: Thompson Triplets
