Film Room: Jerrin Thompson, with two picks already, getting results following offseason takeaway focus
Jerrin Thompson had a number of opportunities for takeaways in 2022, but could not come up with any over the course of the 12-game regular season. He was able to record his lone interception of the season versus Michael Penix Jr. in the Alamo Bowl, and so far in 2023 he’s picked up right where he left off late last year versus Washington.
Thompson has two interceptions through three games. The first came at a pivotal moment in Texas’ 34-24 win over Alabama.
The Crimson Tide only sent two receivers out on the play, and Thompson helped Terrance Brooks bracket the one man on his side of the field. Thompson followed Jalen Milroe‘s stare down and made a play on the ball. His interception return set up a crucial five-yard touchdown run by Jonathon Brooks.
The second came versus Wyoming, and it was a pick-six. After the Cowboys and backup quarterback Evan Svoboda dinked-and-dunked the Texas defense all game, Thompson knew based on the look he saw that another quick passing play was coming.
“We were in a zone coverage, and the back flared quick,” Thompson said Monday. “We treat that like it’s empty, so we know the ball is coming out fast. I see the back out, and I just basically clamped my man, anticipated the out, and broke on the ball.”
A catch and a few yards later, Thompson recorded his second interception in two games. He had accounted for two interceptions in his previous 35 games.
Thompson had made the play, but he prepared to make it in the week leading up to the contest. Thompson said he knew the intended receiver would motion to his side of the formation based on how he originally lined up looking at the quarterback in a half-hearted stance. Either way, Thompson’s assignment was to roll down and let Derek Williams cover the deep middle, motion or not.
Texas brought pressure on this play, and when Thompson saw the back leave the pocket he knew Svoboda would either have to make a quick throw or take a sack.
“When the back came out fast, I knew they didn’t have enough to protect for a deep progression route,” Thompson said. “I knew it was some type of quick route, a slant, an out.”
He made his break and as a result put a needed six points on the board for the Longhorns.
Forcing takeaways was a big emphasis not only for the Longhorns, but for Thompson himself. He said Monday he spent plenty of time with the JUGS machine over the summer, and also worked on tracking the ball on days when Texas wasn’t holding a full contact practice.
“Can’t tackle on those type of days, so play the ball instead,” Thompson said.
Those takeaways don’t just add to the defense’s stats, it helps the entire team. Thompson mentioned that sudden change plays help put the offense in far better field position.
But those two takeaways by Thompson are proof positive that the Longhorns’ work to force turnovers not only paid off team-wide, but on an individual basis too.
“It shows that you stay true to what you’re trying to improve and it’ll happen,” Thompson said.
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