Name: Ron Thompson
Position: Defensive End
Year: Junior
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 255
Hometown: Southfield, Mich.
High School: Southfield High School
2014 Stats: Ron started all 12 games last season, finishing with 37 tackles, seven of which were for loss, to go along with three sacks and two forced fumbles.
2015 Projections: Thompson is the closest thing Syracuse has to a star on its defense. He'll likely face a heavy dose of double teams as the biggest threat on the Orange's defensive line, but he's primed for a big season nonetheless.
How'd He Get Here?: Originally recruited as a tight end, Thompson chose Syracuse over several schools, most notably Michigan. While sidelined during spring practice in 2013 as he recovered from a blood-flow issue, Thompson offered to switch to defense when he got healthy. The rest is history.
Recruiting Sites: Rivals had Thompson at three stars, while Scout had him at four.
Money Quote: Syracuse offensive tackle Ivan Foy on Thompson:
"If I go up against Ron Thompson every day in camp, I don't see too many players with his quickness getting by me this season."
Links Of Wonder: Thompson was the only Syracuse player named to one of Phil Steele's Preseason All-ACC teams. Thompson made the fourth-team on defense.
Twitterfeed: @ron17_savage
Tweets of Wonder: Is there an escalator?
There is no elevator to #success #grind #camp14 #22days
— ron thompson (@ron17_savage) August 8, 2014
What Does Shafer Think Of Him: From April:
"We got to finally move Ron Thompson just to defensive end and he had a very good spring. He's got a chance to be a very good football player for us."
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Thompson scored a rushing touchdown last season, the only one by a non-quarterback after Lester took over as offensive coordinator.
Let's Get A Good Look Atcha: