Shaq Thompson is officially the most versatile football player in the country. Whether said versatility will be on display at the collegiate or professional level in 2015 is still undecided.
Following practice Tuesday, the Washington linebacker/running back was asked about his football future, whether he would forego his remaining eligibility and declare early for the NFL draft or return to the Huskies for another season. According to the player, he will utilize the Christmas holidays to talk to his family and coaches and get a handle on the football direction in which he wants to head.
“Just sitting down with my family and Coach [Chris Petersen] and some of the coaches and just think about it,” Thompson said. “We’ll see. I don’t know. I’m just focused on this last game and going to see my family.”
Should Thompson opt to return to the Huskies, or leave early for the draft, he’ll still be one of the most intriguing players at either level.
This season, Thompson scored six touchdowns — four defensively, two on offense. The four defensive touchdowns (three on fumble returns, on an interception return) were the most at the FBS level. Offensively, he was second on the Huskies in rushing yards with 456.
The Associated Press named him as a first-team All-American Tuesday. Earlier this month, he was named as the 2014 Hornung Award winner.