The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Josh Thompson declares for NFL Draft
11.27.2021 | Football
Texas senior DB Josh Thompson will forego his additional year of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas senior defensive back Josh Thompson will forego his additional year of eligibility and enter the 2022 NFL Draft, he announced Saturday.
Statement from Josh Thompson:
"First and foremost, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him leading me in each step throughout my life, I would not have been where I am today. Secondly, my wonderful parents who sacrificed everything they had to make sure I followed my dreams of becoming a Texas Longhorn. And lastly, every coach I've had who played a positive impact in my life and gave me the tools I needed to achieve my dream and become the best teammate and person I could possibly be. To my teammates, I consider you all my brothers. I want nothing but the best for you and want you to go get what's yours in the coming years. From the time I stepped on campus I felt the love from everyone at The University of Texas. Although I do have one more year of eligibility left, I sat and talked with my family and coaches about the best decision for me and my future. My time here has been unbelievable, and I don't regret one second of being at this amazing University. With that being said, I have decided to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Hook 'em."
During his career on the Forty Acres, Thompson logged 109 tackles (79 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, recovered one fumble, broke up eight passes and intercepted two in 45 games (22 starts). He recorded at least five tackles in six games, with three of those games taking place in 2021. This season, the Nacogdoches, Texas native appeared in and started nine games while serving one game as a team captain. Despite missing three games due to injury, he established career highs in tackles (34) and solo tackles (23), while also recovering the first fumble and intercepting the second pass of his career. Against Oklahoma State, Thompson established single-game career bests with seven tackles and six solo tackles, while also breaking up one pass. In Texas' 70-35 victory over Texas Tech, he returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown for the first score of his career and the Longhorns' first interception return for a touchdown since 2017. He had a breakout season in 2020, starting all 10 games for the Longhorns and registering 28 tackles (19 solo) with career highs in tackles for loss (three) and passes broken up (four).
