Stefon Thompson Taking it 'Day by Day' in Recovery Process
Syracuse, N.Y.-- Syracuse football completed their ninth practice of training camp earlier today as the program ramps up for their first team scrimmage over the weekend. Defensively, the linebacker room continues to show how important they will be if the Orange want to replicate their success from last season.
On Thursday, junior Marlowe Wax was announced on the Dick Butkus Award watch list, an honor given to the most impactful linebacker in college football. Another linebacker who can be an “x” factor for Syracuse is redshirt sophomore Stefon Thompson. The Charlotte, North Carolina native continues his recovery from a torn right ACL that occurred in the first half of the 2022 season opener against Louisville.
Expectations were high for Thompson after playing all 12 games in 2021, finishing second on the team with 79 tackles, six sacks, eight tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. In 2020, Thompson was the first true freshman linebacker in the starting 11 for the first time in 10 seasons.
Throughout training camp, Thompson has had limited involvement in certain drills and full team periods. Wearing the green jersey in practice representing a non-contact participant has not phased the 6-1, 250 pound linebacker because he knows how important the rehabilitation process is.
“Really for me when I get on the field, I gotta have the mindset that I came in and do my job," Thompson said. "I just try to stay focused as much as I can. The green jersey doesn’t make that any different just because I’m coming back from my injury. I still just come out here and work like everybody else."
Thompson feels in a good place both mentally and physically, which can be difficult for players when enduring such a significant injury. Taking a day-by-day approach has allowed Thompson to trust the process and understand how it will take time to get to the level he wants to be at.
“You’re going to have some good days and bad days, but in the end, I’m just working to get better," Thompson said. "You gotta just have a short-term memory when going through something like this. So I really try not to think about what happened before and leave it in the past. The biggest thing is to grow and stay positive."
Even though Thompson felt a little rusty at the beginning of camp, he’s feeling more comfortable with every rep on the practice field. Similar to Syracuse starting quarterback Garrett Shrader, Thompson did not practice in the spring and used that as a learning opportunity to become a better leader for the younger guys.
“I just try to help out with our group of linebackers when I can," Thompson said. "If they ask questions, just answer them and try to correct them whenever they mess up or want guidance."
Thompson and the rest of the linebackers are back in action tomorrow for a closed-team scrimmage. Syracuse resumes practice on Monday before the ACC Football Road Trip makes its way to central New York on Tuesday.
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