NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University football began completed their second practice of the second week of fall camp this morning, ODUSports.com will talk to a player every practice to let the fans get to know the Monarchs.
Today we take a look at true freshman, Rob Thompson.
When did you start playing football and what got you involved? I started playing when I was five. My mom saw that I was aggressive as a child and I always had a football in my hand.
Biggest Inspiration? I have three. My grandpa, he was at all my games, telling me to keep up the intensity and play hard. My Grandpa passed away when I was in eighth grade. Since then I always do everything for him. My uncle, he was at all my games and was one of my biggest fans. My best friend, he passed away in ninth grade, from brain cancer. He’s another one of my big inspirations.
Favorite Football Memory? My junior year in high school I had a one-handed interception against our biggest rival, Holy Spirit.
What are the differences between high school and ODU? Academically, the speed is a little faster, the classes are a little bit shorter, but not much. Football wise, I played both ways in high school and had only 40-50 players on the team so it’s a little different there. But in high school, when we scrimmaged, I did my reps at offense and then went to defense. Here, we’re still running around from station to station, but now I get my reps on defense and get acclimated to that. The intensity level is higher here.
Why ODU? When I first came here I loved the family atmosphere. I love being in Virginia, I have family here, an uncle in Virginia Beach. ODU was my first offer and when I visited I fell in love with the campus. I knew this was the place for me. Coach Wilder is a good man full of integrity. He has a great program and I wanted to be a part of it in the future.
How did enrolling early help you? That helped me a lot. It helped me because I’m acclimated now, I’m used to getting up early in the morning from spring lifting sessions. It also helped me just getting used to the pace, the speed is a lot different than high school.
How exciting is the transition to FBS and Conference USA? That was a big part of me coming here. I saw this as a big opportunity to come in and do big things. I want to be a part of the move to FBS. We’re going to have the chances to play on TV and in bowl games. Knowing we were moving up was such an exciting thing.
What do you like about playing cornerback? I like playing corner because I like the one-on-one competition. I just started playing corner my junior year, but its something I know I can get work at and get a lot better at.
Favorite sport other than football? Basketball. I love playing basketball. I play in the rec center whenever I can.
Play any other sports in high school? Track and field. I was a New Jersey state champion in the 55-meter hurdles and high jump.
Favorite Athlete? Kevin Durant. I like the way he plays, his aggressiveness and the way he has a calm demeanor.
Favorite Movie? All the Toy Story movies and Space Jam.
Favorite TV Show? Family Guy
Favorite Food? French Fries
Favorite Restaurant? Nifty 50’s. It’s a place back home, a diner that serves great milkshakes.
Favorite thing in Hampton Roads area? Virginia Beach. It’s such a nice place to go to.
Favorite Vacation? Disney World. I love going there. I’ve been there several times.
What is your major? Business and finance. After that I want to get my Master’s in sport management. I want to try to get in the sports agency business and eventually have my own company.