Malachi Thompson views numerous films and examines various players who, like him, are wide receivers.
The sophomore receiver at Nitro mentioned he likes to observe college athletes such as Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith or Alabama’s Ryan Williams. The athletes he observes are DK Metcalf and Justin Jefferson.
He doesn’t dedicate much time to watching films on Moss, the ex-DuPont High standout who later aided Marshall in achieving a Division I-AA national title and had an NFL career that concluded with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Thompson, however, will possess one similarity with the iconic Mountain State receiver. Thompson was selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association as the recipient of the Randy Moss Award.
Since 2014, the Moss Award has been awarded each year to the best receiver in the state, and Thompson was selected following a season during which he caught 74 passes for 1,593 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The 18 points represented a slight decline in performance for Thompson this season, after he netted 20 during his sophomore year. However, according to Nitro coach Boom McKinney, that was not his fault.
“He might have reached 30 if we had allowed it,” McKinney remarked, whose leadership guided the Wildcats to a 10-2 season and a position in the Class AAA quarterfinals. “We rotate players to ensure their satisfaction.”
According to McKinney, Thompson was happy to share both the responsibilities and the attention, valuing team achievements more than personal honors. An improved receiving group at Nitro this year, along with double-teams from rival defenses that recognized Thompson from his standout sophomore season, played a role.
Thompson mentioned that he studies film of other players and records observations on how athletes – whether receivers or rival defensive backs – perform, then gets ready accordingly.
McKinney stated that those traits are what distinguishes Thompson from everyone else.
Thompson’s training consists of sessions in the weight room, practices on the field, and analyzing game footage.
“I can’t specify his greatest qualities,” McKinney remarked, “since he excels in every aspect.” He possesses excellent speed, understands defenses effectively, and has reliable hands.
The innate abilities are what Thompson noted impressed him when he started playing football at 6 years old. Thompson expressed his dislike for the sport right away and believed his athletic journey would lead him to the baseball field instead.
“I came to understand that baseball wasn’t truly going to aid me,” said Thompson, who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 200 pounds. “I didn’t think basketball would benefit me.”
Thompson stated that he will concentrate solely on sports that will benefit his football career, like track and field, a sport he hasn’t engaged in since his freshman year at Sissonville.
Thompson mentioned he is thinking about participating in track again this year to benefit his chances with college football coaches who have started to notice his athletic abilities.
“I wish to improve my 40,” Thompson stated.
With his final season approaching, Thompson mentioned that he intends to participate in camps to attract the attention of additional college coaches, as well as to enhance his skills as a receiver.
His sole personal objective is to secure a third first-team All-State honor in his last season of high school basketball.
This will necessitate building a connection with a new quarterback at Nitro. Josh Moody, having thrown for 3,846 yards and 40 TDs this season, has finished his eligibility.
Leave a Reply