After a crushing loss to Harvard last season, Duvol Thompson went to Crimson quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and told him he would see him again.
Thompson had no idea how right he was. He and Fitzpatrick would play each other in the Hula Bowl later their senior year. Now Thompson and Fitzpatrick are competing together in the St. Louis Rams' training camp.
Thompson, an undrafted free agent, knew from the start his chances of getting drafted were limited, but that there would be a place for him in an NFL training camp. He prepared himself for the realities of the draft and rookie free agency by participating in numerous workouts for scouts and hiring an agent.
The hard work and four years of exceptional play on Franklin Field paid off. Thompson said that he heard from several franchises throughout the draft and post-draft process. He chose to sign with the Rams because of the reputation of the team, and its proximity to his Chicago-area home.
"So far it's been a good situation," Thompson said. "Hopefully it continues that way."
Thompson is aware that his road to earning a spot with an NFL team won't be easy. The competition is intense with a tremendous volume of talented skill players. While he takes pride in his ability as a defensive back, Thompson acknowledges the key to a roster spot is to "know and excel at speical teams."
However, exceptional special teams play is not enough to guarantee a roster spot. He still has to prove his knowledge and value at the defensive back position.
If Thompson is eventually cut by the Rams, he's confident he has the talent to make the roster of another NFL squad. The first cuts begin in July at mini-camp and the final cuts occur in September.
"The whole goal is to make a team," Thompson said.
While a football camp is run essentially the same way in the NFL as it is in high school or college, Thompson said he's enjoying his time with the Rams organization.
At camp, Thompson has had the opportunity to play alongside and against players he believes will end their careers in the hall of fame. When Mark Bulger throws a pass Thompson has to defend it against the likes of Tori Holt and Isaac Bruce.
What has most impressed Thompson though are not the skill players, which he believes can be found on teams at all levels of football.
"If anything is impressive, it is the qualities and abilities of the offensive and defensive linemen," Thompson said. He says it is a wonder to watch players like Orlando Pace and Leonard Little move with the tremendous power and agility that they possess.
Throughout his effort to make an NFL squad, the Penn community has been particularly supportive of Thompson. He believes that the same people that cheered on the sidelines, greeted at tailgates, and watched his every move for the last four years have helped him make the next level.
The Penn coaching staff has been a tremendous source of advice and strength. Before camp, Al Bagnoli had a long coversation in his office with Thompson and linebackers coach Cliff Schwenke has provided Thompson with valuable insight on football and life the past four years.
While Thompson has enjoyed his time with the Rams, he says the process of fighting for a roster spot has kept him busy. Thompson admits he has not had time to explore St. Louis. "I haven't been downtown yet," he said. Thompson hopes after September, he'll be spending a lot more time in the city nicknamed the Gateway to the West.
