By Steve Patterson

Justin Thompson is a 6’5” 280 lbs defensive tackle from El Comino Community College in Torrance California. He committed to the Miami Hurricanes earlier this year but has since been rated a 5 Star recruit by several rating services and has seen the interest level in his services rise accordingly. Thompson thinks his speed, awareness on the field, and aggressive nature set him apart from other athletes. “My best attributes are my speed, aggression, awareness of the field and the game of football, and leadership.”

            Thompson enjoyed is first year in Community College and is looking forward to a second year at El Comino. “I would have to say up to now the highlight of my career would be being named a 5 Star athlete and the good freshman season I had at ELCO.” He told us recently. He will be transferring to a four year college for his junior and senior years starting in the fall of 2008.

            He will be looking mainly at the coaching staffs of the schools he is considering. “I am looking for a family, good down to earth coaches the make practice, football, and the whole college football experience fun and not horrible. Coaches that are not uptight.” He has recently stated that he is 95% behind his Miami verbal commitment but is also considering California, LSU, and Ohio State.

All four programs, Miami, Cal, LSU, and OSU have winning programs with great coaching staffs according Thompson. “What I like about my favorite schools is that they are winning programs, they have great coaches that know what it takes to coach and get athletes to the higher level, the NFL. I like coaches that show great interest in the well being of their athletes and future athletes.”

            When he will decide is not sure as he is willing to wait until February of next year if he doesn’t feel that he has enough information to make a final choice. “I will make a college selection maybe half way into my season this year or two weeks before signing day. I’m not sure it’s up in the air right now.”