CONNECTEMAILMORE
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) reacts after the game against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports (Photo: Jerome Miron, Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
TUSCALOOSA — Make it six.
Alabama redshirt junior safety Deionte Thompson became the team’s sixth underclassmen to turn pro this week after formally declaring his intentions to forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2019 NFL Draft in a social media post Sunday afternoon.
One day after fellow junior cornerback Saivion Smith made his decision known, Thompson followed suit, joining the four other Crimson Tide players that announced Friday — junior running back Josh Jacobs, junior tight end Irv Smith Jr., junior offensive tackle Jonah Williams, and redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Quinnen Williams — to declare for April’s NFL Draft.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for allowing me to spend four amazing years at the University of Alabama,” Thompson wrote in a team-produced picture message attached to a tweet that included “Roll Tide Always & Forever!”
“The opportunity to be a part of this organization has been undeniably live-changing and an experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. … (But) after careful consideration, many conversations, and (thorough) prayer, I’m happy to confirm that I will be entering the 2019 NFL Draft.”
Thompson made his decision Saturday afternoon after further discussions with Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who maintains a strong relationship with NFL personnel all around the league and annually seeks out their evaluations of his players prior to sitting down and discussion their options after the season.
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks to wide receiver Deionte Thompson (14) during the annual A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports (Photo: Marvin Gentry, Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports)
Thompson, who received a late-first and early-second round grade from the NFL according to sources, is among the top safeties available in this year’s NFL Draft class and has been routinely projected as a mid-first round selection in most mock drafts online.
A consensus All-American this past season, Thompson started the last 17 games for Alabama, including all 15 this past season as the quarterback of the secondary, and ranked second on the team with 78 tackles to go along with two interceptions.
A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.
Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses (32) and defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) stop Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks (26)in second half action of the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Saturday December 29, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Oklahoma wide receiver Charleston Rambo (14) catches a touchdown pass against Alabama defensive backs Xavier McKinney (15) and Deionte Thompson (14) in second half action of the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Saturday December 29, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson arrives for an Orange Bowl press conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Wednesday December 26, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser
Alabama coach Nick Saban talks with defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) after a Georgia touchdown during an NCAA college football game for the Southeastern Conference championship Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AJ Reynolds/Athens Banner-Herald via AP) AJ Reynolds, AP
Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) and linebacker Jamey Mosley (16) celebrate during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
FILE – In this Nov. 10, 2018, file photo, Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) celebrates after Mississippi State place kicker Jace Christmann (47) missed a field goal-attempt during the first half of a game, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Thompson was named to the 2018 AP All-America NCAA college football team, Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File) The Associated Press
Alabama defensive backs Deionte Thompson (14) and Shyheim Carter (5) stop Georgia wide receiver Mecole Hardman (4) during first half action of the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday December 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm slides as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson leaps over him. Jason Getz, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia tight end Isaac Nauta is chased by Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) and linebacker Mack Wilson during the third quarter in the 2018 SEC championship game. Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses (32), defensive back Patrick Surtain, II, (2) and defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) wrap up Arkansas tight end Cheyenne O’Grady (85) during first half action in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday October 6, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) intercepts a ball out of bounds against Louisville In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses (32) and defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) stop Citadel B-Back Lorenzo Ward (8) in first half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) is helped off the field after being injured against The Citadel in second half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) strips the ball from Citadel A-Back Nkem Njoku (28) in second half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks with Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) and defensive back Xavier McKinney (15) stop Citadel B-Back Lorenzo Ward (8) In first half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 17, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) stops Mississippi State running back Aeris Williams (26) in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) celebrates after Mississippi State place kicker Jace Christmann (47) missed a field goal-attempt during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) The Associated Press
LSU Tigers wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) pulls in a reception for a first down against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama defensive back Saivion Smith (4) returns an interception behind the blocking of defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) and linebacker Mack Wilson (30) against Missouri in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday October 13, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Saivion Smith (4) returns an interception behind the blocking of defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) and linebacker Mack Wilson (30) against Missouri in first half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday October 13, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) stops Arkansas tight end Cheyenne O’Grady (85) during second half action in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday October 6, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Arkansas tight end Cheyenne O’Grady (85) is stopped by Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson (30), defensive back Deionte Thompson (14), defensive back Xavier McKinney (15) and defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (49) during second half action in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday October 6, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) and Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson (30) hit Arkansas wide receiver Peyton Ausley (84) during second half action in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday October 6, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) celebrates recovering an Arkansas fumble near the goal line during first half action in Fayetteville, Ark., on Saturday October 6, 2018. Mickey Welsh
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 15: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Xavier McKinney #15 force a fumble on Jordan Ta’amu #10 of the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) Getty Images
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) wraps up Louisiana running back Raymond Calais (4) in first half action at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday September 29, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) tackles Louisiana running back Trey Ragas (9) at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday September 29, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) celebrates after beating the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) gets by Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) for a touchdown in second half action in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday September 22, 2018. Mickey Welsh
FILE – In this Sept. 1, 2018. file photo, Alabama defenders, including defensive back Deionte Thompson (14), linebacker Christian Miller (47) and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams (92), close in on Louisville running back Dae Williams (25) , during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla. Alabama’s defense, for a change, has been overshadowed by the offense, but it’s still formidable. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)) The Associated Press
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) returns an interception against Ole Miss in first half action in Oxford, Ms., on Saturday September 15, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) returns an interception against Ole Miss In first half action in Oxford, Ms., on Saturday September 15, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) intercepts a pass from Ole Miss In first half action in Oxford, Ms., on Saturday September 15, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) trips up Arkansas State runningback Marcel Murray (34) in second half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday September 8, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) is congratulated after intercepting the ball against Louisville in first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) intercepts a ball out of bounds against Louisville In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Louisville wide receiver Jaylen Smith (9) In first half action of the Camping World Kickoff at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday September 1, 2018. Mickey Welsh
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Riley Ridley (8) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive backs Deionte Thompson (14) and Levi Wallace (39) during the second quarter. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) wraps up Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) as Bryant throws a pass in first half action in the Sugar Bowl at the Superdome in New Orleans, La. on Monday January 1, 2018. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser) .
Alabama defensive back Ronnie Harrison (15) consols Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson after the Iron Bowl in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday November 25, 2017. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama safety Deionte Thompson and three other men have been indicted on charges stemming from a spring break fight, the Beaumont Enterprise reported Monday. Matt Bush, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama safety Deionte Thompson is working out with the team. Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Riley Ridley (8) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive backs Deionte Thompson (14) and Levi Wallace (39) during the second quarter. Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) is congratulated on an interception by defensive back Ronnie Harrison (15) in second half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday November 18, 2017. Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) is stopped by Mercer offensive lineman Thomas Marchman (78) after intercepting a pass in second half action at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Saturday November 18, 2017. (Mickey Welsh / Montgomery Advertiser) .
Alabama defensive back Deionte Thompson has returned to school. Matt Bush/USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in last season’s national championship game. Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama defensive back Laurence “Hootie” Jones (6) works with defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) during the Crimson Tides’ first day of spring NCAA college football practice, Friday, March 13, 2015, at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/AL.com, Vasha Hunt) MAGS OUT The Associated Press
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Deionte Thompson (14) carries the ball for the Crimson team during the annual A-Day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Marvin Gentry, Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks to wide receiver Deionte Thompson (14) during the annual A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Marvin Gentry, Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks with wide receiver Deionte Thompson (14) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Marvin Gentry, Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks with wide receiver Deionte Thompson (14) during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Marvin Gentry, Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) reacts after the game against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports Jerome Miron, Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban talks with Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) during the second quarter in the 2018 CFP national championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports John David Mercer, John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) during the 2018 CFP national championship college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) celebrates during the 2018 CFP national championship college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Deionte Thompson (14) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama freshman safety Deionte Thompson speaks to the media duringan NCAA college football national signing day press conference, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) The Associated Press
Safety Deionte Thompson, from Orange, Texas, is one of seven early enrollees in this year’s recruiting class. CONTRIBUTED
Alabama’s early NFL entrants since 2011
2019 (6): RB Josh Jacobs, TE Irv Smith Jr., DB Saivion Smith, DB Deionte Thompson, OT Jonah Williams, DT Quinnen Williams.
2018 (5): DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Rd. 1 (11), Miami Dolphins; DT Daron Payne, Rd. 1 (13), Washington Redskins; WR Calvin Ridley, Rd. 1 (26), Atlanta Falcons; S Ronnie Harrison, Rd. 3 (93), Jacksonville Jaguars; RB Bo Scarbrough, Rd. 7 (236), Dallas Cowboys.
2017 (3): CB Marlon Humphrey, Rd. 1 (16), Baltimore Ravens; OT Cam Robinson, Rd. 2 (34), Jacksonville Jaguars; WR ArDarius Stewart, Rd. 3 (79), New York Jets.
2016 (2): RB Derrick Henry, Rd. 2 (45), Tennessee Titans; DT A’Shawn Robinson, Rd. 2 (46), Detroit Lions.
2015 (3): WR Amari Cooper, Rd. 1 (4), Oakland Raiders; S Landon Collins, Rd. 2 (33), New York Giants; RB T.J. Yeldon, Rd. 2 (36), Jacksonville Jaguars.
2014 (5): S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Rd. 1 (21), Green Bay Packers; OT Cyrus Kouandjio, Rd. 2 (44), Buffalo Bills; DT Jeoffrey Pagan, Rd. 6 (177), Houston Texans; S Vinnie Sunseri, Rd. 5 (167), New Orleans Saints; DE Adrian Hubbard, undrafted.
2013 (2): CB Dee Milliner, Rd. 1 (9), New York Jets; RB Eddie Lacy, Rd. 2 (61), Green Bay Packers.
2012 (3): RB Trent Richardson, Rd. 1 (3), Cleveland Browns; CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Rd. 1 (17), Cincinnati Bengals; LB Dont’a Hightower, Rd. 1 (25), New England Patriots.
2011 (3): DE Marcel Dareus, DE, Rd. 1 (3), Buffalo Bills; WR Julio Jones, Rd. 1 (6), Atlanta Falcons; RB Mark Ingram, Rd. 1 (28), New Orleans Saints.
Source
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/2019/01/13/all-american-safety-thompson-6th-alabama-player-declare-nfl/2564723002/
