Name: Osband “OJ” Thompson
School: Tuskegee University
Position: Linebacker/Safety/Nickel/Hybrid
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 210

Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?

This year was the first year I actually wrote down goals in my notes. I told Coach Jackson about them when we came in for camp. I didn’t reach some of them, but I was close. My goals for my Senior year were:
-Be a game changer
-Play above your competition level
-Play like a man amongst boys
-150 Tackles
-10-15TFL
-5 interceptions
-5-10 sacks
-3-5 forced fumbles
-3-5 fumble recovery
-3-10 touchdowns
-SIAC Championship
-3rd Round Playoffs

Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?

I would consider my style of play as a SMART player, I watch a lot of film. I want to know everything you’re gonna hit me with. GO GETTER being that a lot of teams went away from me, I knew I’d have to go and get all of my plays. I hustle to make a lot of plays, that’s how I get paid. FAST, being that I wasn’t the biggest Linebacker, so I had to use my speed to my advantage. There’s ways around everything and speed is my advantage, so I had to use it to the best of my ability.

Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?

This off season I’ll be training at Michael Johnson Performance down in McKinney, Texas. I’ve been here for about 2 weeks now and I love it. Being able to have multiple people who pay attention to EVERY detail is a major key when learning new techniques for the combine tests.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?

When I’m studying film, I find out a team’s and also a player’s strengths. I find out what they love to do the most and when it’s crunch time. Once I take that away from them, they’re stuck doing something they’re not use to and that creates problems for a Coach, Team, and even player!

Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?

My mindset, confidence, and faith. I believe in myself and I know that anything is possible. I’m not scared of anything or anyone. I line up with an I’m going to WIN attitude. Most of all, I have FUN doing what I do. I’ve been playing football since the age of 4, so it has to be something I love or I would’ve stopped a long time ago.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Some strengths I’ll bring to a team is I’m very smart when it comes to football, but I’m always willing to learn more and get better. I want to win, losing isn’t something I like. I’m a leader on and off the field, I make great decisions.

Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?

Growing up, my mom always called me the element of surprise. I’m like a secret weapon, I’d like to think you can say I’m special. You can put me on the field and I’m going to make some plays from special teams to defense and even offense, it doesn’t matter, I’m going to make plays. That’s why I call myself #MakePlays5!