Shaq Thompson Making Plays

[Jeremy Igo]

Shaq Thompson has officially arrived at Panthers training camp. While being largely absent the first two practices, he started to come into his own on today's third practice. 

 

During 7 on 7 drills, Thompson made a speedy break on a Cam Newton pass intended for Greg Olsen. Thompson batted the ball now, marking his first official play made in Panthers training camp. 

One of Thompson's primary responsibilities will be to cover talented tight ends like Jimmy Graham (now in Seattle). Getting camp experience against pro bowler Greg Olsen can only accelerate his learning and adjusting to the pro game. 

Thompson continued to impress throughout the day. Another play that sticks out in my mind is a very quick gap stop, halting Fozzy Whitaker's progress. The Carolina Panthers had issues with plugging the correct gap in run defense for a good portion of last season. 

Shaq Thompson is having more thrown at him than most defensive rookies. He is learning what is probably the most complicated position on the defensive side of the field. While other rookies can be thrown into the mix relatively quickly, Thompson will require more film room time in addition to playing time. 

If today's performance is any indication, Thompson may be a quick study. 

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[luke nukem]

Got a Feeling we might see him in the End-zone at some point this season.

[ctrcat]

DROY?

[Moorgan]

This just in...rookie absorbing playbook like a sponge. In other camp activity every year...

Sorry couldn't  resist because it's a quote from that hilarious video.

http://youtu.be/Od1CiMyjd1Q

[ctrcat]

Got a Feeling we might see him in the End-zone at some point this season.

Only a matter of how many times.  It's what he does, GMan emphasized it in the draft presser.

[PizzaTheHutt]

He's learning from Luke and TD. You couldn't ask for better mentors. Only a matter of time he takes Klein's job and never looks back.

....honestly I wouldn't mind seeing him take a few handoffs on the offensive side too, dude's RB highlight reel is pretty sick :)

[Doyle]

Have they switched him to running back yet?

[KB_fan]

This just in...rookie absorbing playbook like a sponge. In other camp activity every year...

Sorry couldn't  resist because it's a quote from that hilarious video.

http://youtu.be/Od1CiMyjd1Q

LOL.  Yeah, I hear that video playing in my head now every time I read any positive article / comment about a player in training camp...

[SIGCHI222]

We have to remember that because he was on the quarter system in college he is behind the other rookies.

[Kurb]

TD didn't change the world his first camp either (yes yes position change...) I expect Shaq to follow a similar path.

[Darth Biscuit]

Having that much speed on the field on D makes me all tingly

[Montie_0123]

This is the kind of news I want to hear out of the teams 1st round pick. Truthfully I really hope he takes the position by the end of training camp.

[ser23vp]

This is what I like to hear/see! (See my profile picture) lol #PantherNation #KeepPounding

[Mr. Scot]

TD didn't change the world his first camp either (yes yes position change...) I expect Shaq to follow a similar path.

While I'll grant that his position on the roster is still listed as 'linebacker',  would it not be fair to say then given the double duty he's going to be pulling, Thompson could be described as doing a 'position switch'  also?