NFL Draft Profile: SaRodorick Thompson, Running Back, Texas Tech Red Raiders
SaRodorick Thompson
Texas Tech Red Raiders
#4
Pos: RB
Ht: 5115
Wt: 207
Hand: 0900
Arm: 3158
Wing: 7700
40: 4.67
DOB: 10/1/1999
Hometown: Irving, TX
High School: Ranchview
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
A staunch runner that utilizes vision and power to allocate yardage.
Evaluation:
A quick, explosive back with nice cutback ability, Thompson is a hard-nosed runner who constantly keeps his legs churning and looks to fight for extra yardage. The Texas native owns a typical frame for a back, good height and body that carries athletic musculature. His vision pops. Thompson sees color in the hole and will cut off the leverage of the defender. He’s able to anticipate and hit cutback lanes. Also drops his pads and takes what's given—won’t play with his food or dance. Possesses contact balance, which enables him to fall forward or bounce off the first tackler. Has demonstrated third down usage both as a pass-catcher and pass protector—consistently stone-walls oncoming blitzers. He tends to get out and compete as a run blocker in two back sets; not a phone booth guy. Thompson doesn’t possesses elite speed but shows good enough burst and acceleration to rip off big runs on occasion. He played in a very pass-heavy offense, so he never tallied a high bulk of carries. However, he did manage over 100 rush attempts in each of the past four seasons, splitting time during his final year. He could add value in a similar role at the next level. His ability to cut off defenders' leverage and fall forward with strength and balance shows up on film repeatedly. Pair this with actual usage in pass protection and reliable hands and we have a potential draftable prospect.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Suffered a bone bruise in his ankle at the end of the 2022 season. Battled through a shoulder injury during the 2020 season, which required surgery during the offseason prior to his 2021 campaign. Was issued a misdemeanor warrant for drag racing with a teammate in September of 2020. In 49 career games, ran 533 times, for 2,650 rushing yards (5.0 average), 39 rushing touchdowns, along with 90 catches, for 532 receiving yards (5.9) and one receiving touchdown. Born and raised in Irving, Texas. Son of Eugenie and SaRodorick Thompson Sr.; has a younger sister, Dre’von. Attended Ranchview High School—totaled over 3,000 yards on the ground during his prep career; also a member of the school’s track and field program. A three-star prospect. University Studies major.
