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University of Minnesota Athletics
Thompson Focusing On School, Training
2/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Rachel Timmerman
The University of Minnesota's Pro Day is rapidly approaching, and former Gopher football player Cedric Thompson is preparing for the showcase and a potential professional career in the NFL.
After the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando on New Years Day, Thompson stayed in Florida to begin training for the Pro Day and the National Football League Players Association bowl game.
The California native returned to his home state later that month to play in the NFLPA bowl game, where NFL coaches and scouts could see him and other college football players play.
"It was definitely a different vibe, but I really enjoyed it," Thompson said. "I think it was good for me to get a taste of the NFL atmosphere."
Thompson was also able to enjoy one last game with teammates Damien Wilson and Cameron Botticelli.
"At one point, we were all in the game together," Thompson said. "It was definitely a fun time and something I cherish."
Now he's back in Orlando training for the upcoming Pro Day. And after being away from the U for two months, Thompson said he's starting to adjust to all the changes that come after leaving the life of a college athlete.
"You're being told what to do in college, when to get up, what to eat," Thompson said. "When you leave, it's all about what you're gonna put into it."
With a newfound independence, Thompson said he has time to relax and sit around - but that's not something he particularly enjoys anymore.
"I got to the point where I couldn't [sit around]," Thompson said. "Any time that I have now, I've been doing extra rehab, work on my core, work on my hips, stuff like that. I don't like to sit around, I like to get better all day, no matter what it is."
Minnesota's Pro Day is on March 2, but after that, Thompson said he isn't sure of his plans.
"I haven't decided that yet," Thompson said. "Most likely I'm going to be in Minnesota."
Wherever he decides to go, he will be preparing for a potential career in the NFL and the draft in late April. But that's not always on his mind.
"I don't think about the draft because there's no telling what can happen between now and when the draft happens," Thompson said.
While he will be training up until draft day, he is also working on finishing up his degree in business and marketing education.
"I haven't graduated [yet], I'm still in school - I have all online classes," Thompson said. "My classes are going really well. After this semester I'm gonna have my degree."
And after football, he said he sees himself putting that degree to use by running a business or a non-profit organization.
When looking back at his four years at Minnesota, Thompson said being with his teammates is what he misses most, and advises younger teammates not to take those relationships for granted.
"I would just tell all the guys in college to really enjoy all the memories," Thompson said. "Going to class, being in the locker room, being in the weight room because it's something that you're not going to be able to get back."
