With no shortage of incredible talent on North Atlanta’s dominant football roster, it takes an incredible athlete to stand out among the rest. Despite this challenge, senior Grant Thompson continues to separate and submit himself as an exceptional player and athlete. Thompson is the most versatile player for the Warriors, playing a massive role on both sides of the ball, playing both defensive back and wide receiver at a high level.
Thompson began his journey into football in 3rd grade, playing throughout his youth at NYO. At NYO he played just about every position on the field, but he quickly found his home at defensive back. He was consistently on all-star teams at defensive back throughout his youth. This success followed him to Sutton Middle School where he again found himself playing defensive back. Once Thompson reached North Atlanta, he made an instant impact starting almost every game at cornerback his freshman year. He then continued this success into his sophomore year. That year, he began his foray onto the offensive side of the ball, playing at receiver for the last couple of games of the season. Then, in his junior campaign, he broke out, catching 26 passes for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He added another 27 tackles on defense and a fumble recovery. “I try to help the team everywhere I can,” said Thompson, “I know I can change games with my ability and versatility.”
This year, Thompson has only increased his role, playing almost every snap night in and night out, Thompson is an incredible contributor on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side, he leads the team in receiving yards with 500 and is second on the team in catches with 30. Thompson has also added three touchdown receptions to go along with his impressive yardage and reception totals. On the defensive side of the ball, he adds 25 total tackles which is tied for sixth most on the team while playing a defensive back role that is not predicated on racking up impressive tackling stats. He has also supplemented his impressive tackling figures with 3 tackles for loss, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. “Grant gives his all, day in and day out and I couldn’t ask for a better teammate,” said senior quarterback Ian Reynolds.
As Thompson looks towards playoffs, the end of his high school career, and beyond, he should continue to dominate everywhere his football journey steers him. Now, he prepares to take his talents to division one program Southern Illinois, where the future Saluki looks to be an impact player the moment he steps onto the college gridiron. Thompson is an exceptional athlete and teammate, and is destined for stardom at the next level.
