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Up until last week, the Rams' recruiting class was not filled with the typical "blue-chip" players you would expect to see in a strong recruiting class, but that has changed quickly with two big commits in the last week. It started when athlete Deionte Gaines gave a verbal commitment last Monday and then continued with the verbal of running back Deron Thompson.
Thompson is a 5' 10", 175 pound running back out of Northwest High School in Wichita, Kansas. He is rated as a three star prospect by Rivals and 247Sports. Like Gaines, Thompson chose Colorado State over several offers from BCS programs, in his case Minnesota and Kansas State. This season at Northwest, Thompson rushed for 988 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Thompson does not have blazing speed, but is elusive between the tackles and in space. He runs through tackles and always keeps his feet moving, and is a formidable threat receiving the ball out of the backfield. He will likely stay at running back for the Rams and will benefit from the recent departure of Kapri Bibbs. When talking with the Loveland Reporter Herald, Thompson had this to say about Bibbs' decision to leave early.
"Even if he stayed, I feel I would have gone there anyway. But now that he's gone, I know I'm going to have to go in there and work on the field and in the classroom, but there's an opportunity. He had a great year, and I feel like I can do those kinds of things, even more."
Producing higher numbers than what Kapri Bibbs accomplished this season would be quite the feat. Bibbs ran for 1741 yards and led all FBS running backs with 31 rushing touchdowns despite not starting until half way through the season. Thompson will have to work hard if wants to start right away as the Rams return dynamic running back Donnell Alexander and will have redshirt freshman Bryce Peters competing for the top spot. Thompson will likely redshirt next season, but will compete for the top spot in his second season with the Rams.
