Keytaon Thompson is a four-star quarterback commit in the Mississippi State Bulldogs’ 2017 recruiting class. He is one of the most talented prospects in the entire class and there is real superstar potential in his game. There is no question that Thompson is the expected long-term quarterback for the program.
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Thompson is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks coming into college football. Many have compared him to Carolina Panthers’ star quarterback Cam Newton, although he has a lot of work to do before getting to that point.
Mississippi State had to say goodbye to star quarterback Dak Prescott last season. Prescott was a big part of the reason that the Bulldogs got back into relevance in the SEC.
Last season at Landry-Walker High School in Louisiana, Thompson put together a huge season. He threw for 2,659 yards, 37 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. Thompson also scored 16 touchdowns on the ground, which show some of his dual-threat ability.
Looking ahead at his future with the Bulldogs, the sky is the limit and there is no question that he has the potential to make a run at the NFL in the future.
Thompson took the time to do an exclusive interview with our very own Evan Massey. We hope that you enjoy the interview and begin following Thompson as he works hard to take the next step in his football career.
Q. What made you choose to commit to Mississippi State? What were some of the main deciding factors?
Thompson: A big reason I chose Mississippi State was that I felt very comfortable the minute I stepped on campus. Speaking with the players, coaches and even just people on campus, I felt that it was my kind of place. Some major factors were coach Mullen and Johnson’s resume working with quarterbacks with a similar skill-set that I have and I was the only quarterback that they offered in my class as well.
Q. How would you describe your game to a fan who hasn’t seen much of you?
Thompson: I would describe myself as a playmaker and a winner first and all exciting to watch because I can do many things and can play many different game styles based off of what is needed in that particular situation.
Q. Is there a current NFL or D-1 quarterback that you would compare your game to? And why?
Thompson: Cam Newton. Like I said before, he can do so many different things and is a very exciting player to watch.
Q. What are your team and individual goals for your career at Mississippi State?
Thompson: I want to win championships and leave a legacy. If we can accomplish that, then individual goals will come. But someday I’d like to play in the NFL.
Q. How would you describe yourself away from football?
Thompson: Away from football, I would describe myself as a hard worker, intelligent and at the end of the day I just want to be successful.
Q. When did you realize that you had legitimate D-1 football talent?
Thompson: That’s a great question. I’m still working on my game and I’m a competitive person, so I always thought that one day through hard work I would be able t play on that level.
Q. Who would you say has helped you get to this point the most?
Thompson: My family and coaches. My family has always been supportive of me no matter what and my coaches always expect great things from me and keep me striving for greatness.
Q. What would you like to say to the Mississippi state fan base in closing?
Thompson: I can’t wait to get up there and be a part of helping get Hail State a ring.
