 At John Marshall High School Thompson was a three sport standout where he was all-state in track & field, a McDonald's all-American in basketball and a Gatorade all-American in football.As a three-year player, Thompson became one of the most decorated and sought after running backs in the nation.After graduating from high school he decided to play college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers over Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, UCLA, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.