Illinois State added another weapon to its rushing attack on Saturday when former Iowa State running back Brian Thompson participated in his first practice and was officially added to the Redbird roster.
Head coach Denver Johnson is pleased about adding the 5-foot-7, 195-pound Thompson to the Illinois State roster.
The addition of Brian give us another quality back in the mix, Johnson said. There is going be a very competitive crew of guys fighting for the starting tailback position. Hes a physically tough guy with some speed and should blend right in with what were trying to do offensively.
Thompson, who will have two years of eligibility remaining, played in 25 games for the Cyclones. The Plantation, Fla., native posted 83 carries for 305 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman, but didnt record a carry in 2003. Last season he appeared in all 12 games, but was limited to special teams duties. In 2001, he redshirted and was named the Iowa State Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year.
At Plantation High School, Thompson was a Florida Class 6A District 12 first-team pick. He was also tabbed second team all-Broward County after rushing for more than 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior. During his junior prep season, Thompson rushed for more than 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns. His team advanced to the third round of the state playoffs his junior and senior seasons with 9-1 and 8-2 records, respectively.
Since 1993, when the NCAA rules changed to give players immediate eligibility at the I-AA level, Illinois State has had 39 players transfer from I-A football programs. Thompson joins Brent Hawkins (Purdue), Pierre Jackson (Minnesota), Demetrus Johnson (Minnesota), Cameron Siskowic (Washington State), Jesus Terrazas (Illinois), Joe Walkins (Auburn) and Shawn Wiza (Western Michigan) as former I-A players currently on the Redbird roster.
