2020 DE James Thompson Jr. signs with Wisconsin

Wisconsin secured another talented and versatile defensive player when James Thompson Jr. of Cincinnati (Roger Bacon) signed with the Badgers today.

Thompson Jr. has put on weight to close his high school career, indicating that he may continue to grow into an effective defensive end. His Hudl highlights show quick acceleration and the ability to shed a block to make a quick tackle against the run game.

After a redshirt season and some good old-fashioned UW strength and conditioning, Thompson Jr. could be a solid edge defender against the run and frees up the pass rush. Or, it’s there’s always a slight possibility he puts on another inch or two and his body type starts looking more like Julius Peppers at 6-foot-7 and about 285 pounds.

Rankings

247 Composite: 3 stars; grade: .8335; No. 1656 player in the nation; No. 92 SDE; No. 62 Ohio

247 Sports: 3 stars; grade: 83; No. 1611 player in the nation; No. 84 SDE; No. 61 Ohio

Rivals: 3 stars; 5.5 rating; No. 48 Ohio

ESPN: 3 stars; Grade: 72; No. 183 DE; No. 196 Regional; No. 68 Ohio

Verbally committed on September 9, 2019

According to 247Sports held eight other offers, most notably from Navy and Iowa State, and Joe Rudolph and Inoke Breckterfield lead the recruitment effort for Thompson Jr.

Thompson Jr. is one of three defensive ends in the 2020 recruiting class, and he could very well add depth at outside linebacker and become a key contributor on special teams. While he is one of the lower rated players in this class, he could develop into a surprise contributor.

Video highlights

Player bio (courtesy of UW Athletic Department)