Stampeding Through The USF Football Roster: #93 DT Demi Thompson

Let's meet a player who we haven't seen very much of during his first few years, but may surface this season.

#93 DT Demi Thompson
Redshirt Junior, 6'1", 281 lbs.

Stats in 2011: Thompson missed the entire season with a back injury, although it appeared at various times during the year that he might be ready to return to action. His 2011 highlight was Skip Holtz accidentally calling him "Demi Moore" after the first scrimmage in Vero Beach. (I wonder if Skip was more of a "St. Elmo's Fire" guy or an "About Last Night..." guy?)

Current Spot on Depth Chart: Thompson is not listed on the two-deep spring depth chart at defensive tackle.

How did he come to USF: From jolly olde England, of all places. He was born in the U.K., where his Nigerian father was a professional soccer player. He signed with USF out of Lake Mary High School in 2009.

Recruiting Rankings: ESPN had him 31st at his position. Rivals gave him three stars. Scout gave him two, but noted that he got a lot of offers. MaxPreps ranked him 183rd in Florida. He may be underrated, since he took up football late and played hurt in high school.

Projected Playing Time In 2012: Having only played two games in three years, Thompson is at a disadvantage compared to the other players at his position, even the younger ones like Elkino Watson. He has some ground to make up, but he'll have a chance to get into the playing rotation and should also be helpful for the scout team.