It was an extremely successful National Signing Day for the Syracuse football team. We decided to sit down with one of the key recruits.
Over 23 recruits joined the Syracuse football team during National Signing Day. Over the next several weeks we’ll be breaking down each recruit in detail.
But we start off that venture by sitting down with one special recruit who signed the dotted line, Russell Thompson.
We decided to ask him some key questions regarding: why he chose the Orange, his NFL dreams, and what pro player he models his game after. Another phenomenal interview that provides you an in-depth look into one of SU’s brightest recruits.
A fantastic interview with Thompson, if you’d like you can follow him on Twitter here: @RTB__1. Without further adieu lets get to our interview.
"Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25): So first off why Syracuse? What was so enticing about this program?"
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"Russell Thompson (@RTB__1): I became interested in Syracuse in March, my uncle John Lobon is an alum and a person who was involved in many changes to the school when he was there. So I visited in June & did a private workout and got the offer. I fell in love with the coaches, and facilities. No other school recruited me harder, showed more attention, fit me as well as a WR & was the best balance of my offers of Academics and Athletics."
"Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25): You speak eloquently about both the academics and athletics side of things, do you have hopes of the NFL or do you have another passion?"
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"Russell Thompson (@RTB__1): Yes I have hopes and dreams of going to the NFL, that is why I chose Syracuse over the ivy leagues. It provided me better opportunities while also getting a great education."
"Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25): Have you ever been compared to a pro player? Also is there any WR in the NFL that you model your game after?"
"Russell Thompson (@RTB__1): Yes I have been compared to a few pro players. First was an alumni of my school Marcus Cooper who was a great receiver for my high school but is now a CB in the NFL. Coaches and friends also like to compare me to a Julio Jones or Dez Bryant. I try to model my game after those two, more so Julio because I believe he’s the better overall WR in the NFL. Around 6’2-6’3 a thicker WR at around 220, but with speed, blocking ability, route running, consistent hands, and big play tendencies as a downfield threat."
"Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25): What are the team goals for this year and also have you set any individual barometers for yourself this season? Or for your SU career?"
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"Russell Thompson (@RTB__1): My team goals are to surprise some of these other ACC powerhouses and play in a bowl in my first year. Over the years that surprise will become normal and one day I hope to compete for an ACC championship. In no way will this feat be reached if we do not work like crazy as a team and prepare well and respect every opponent. Individually in the first year, my goal is to get to around 212-215, improve in areas that I need to most, learn the playbook quickly and earn a starting spot. Over the years no matter how quick it comes I want to be a 1000+ yard WR."
"Paul A. Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25): What’s your message to the fan base? All they’ve seen is some highlights, your size, weight etc, what can fans expect to see from you on gameday?"
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"Russell Thompson (@RTB__1): My message to the fan base is Syracuse is home and your loving support is a big reason why I chose the Orange. Fans can expect, heart, determination, consistency and big play ability."