Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Feature: Thompson Setting an Example for the Future
October 28, 2020 | Football, HailStateBEAT
Senior Erroll Thompson wants to be an example for future generations of Bulldogs
There is a young Mississippi State fan witnessing the Bulldogs run the gauntlet of a 10-game SEC season in 2020. That fan might be sitting in their living room wearing a maroon and white No. 40 jersey, not understanding just how impactful the person currently donning that number has been for the Bulldogs.
Erroll Thompson arrived at Mississippi State as a three-star linebacker out of Florence High School. Recruited by many of the top programs in the country, Thompson announced his top five schools in the recruiting process on June 12, 2015, and less than 50 days later he announced his intentions to choose Mississippi State on National Signing Day in February 2016.
"The recruiting process was pretty normal, I think," said Thompson. "It was the usual: in and out of visits, not really knowing exactly what you want to do [at the start] and getting pulled here and going there."
Though five schools remained in contention, the recruiting gurus had it pared down to a pair of school less than three hours each from his hometown. On signing day, Thompson made what he called an "easy choice," electing to take the two hour and 47 minute drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway to Starkville.
"It was narrowed down to five schools, but I kind of knew right away that I wanted to come to Mississippi State," Thompson said. "I kept it open with other schools, but in my heart Mississippi State was where I wanted to be...It just fit me really well, personality wise, and I really liked the campus and the people at Mississippi State."
The high school running back turned linebacker stood out at his position, though he only played two seasons on the defensive side of the ball. His instincts for the position and
the physicality he brought to the field stood out, as did his passion for the game.
Though he did not know it at the time, the position change was the first of a handful of changes coming in Thompson's football life.
"The last five or six years have really taught me a lot," said Thompson. "It helped me mature quickly and showed me how life can work - especially in football. People move around and things change. So, for me, I've been able to learn new schemes and play for different personalities."
While the coaches have changed for Thompson, he has embraced the challenge of learning new schemes, growing into his leadership role and working with different people, all while representing Mississippi State in a first-class manner.
"My college football journey has been very unique and very fun," said Thompson. "I wouldn't change anything about it. It has been a very humbling experience.
"Seeing all of the different things and playing for the different coaches that have come through has been tough but rewarding. To play in different schemes, learn to listen and really take everything that each coach has brought has been a big thing for me. I feel like in the long run I will benefit from it all."
One thing that has stayed consistent during this time at Mississippi State is his style of play and the production he brings on and off the field each day. A self-proclaimed "thumper" that "likes to lead by example," Thompson has been the model of consistency for MSU.
He followed his redshirt season of 2016 with SEC All-Freshman Team honors in 2017, starting the final three games of the season. He went on to make 29-straight starts over the next two seasons and was a second-team All-SEC pick as a sophomore after posting 87 tackles, including nine tackles for loss.
After 83 stops as a junior, Thompson had a decision to make: enter in the NFL Draft or return to school for his final season.
"I felt like my time [at Mississippi State] wasn't finished," Thompson said on the decision to return to school. "We still have things we need to accomplish, and I wanted to give everything I could to Mississippi State. Coming back was what I needed to do."
Not only did Thompson feel that there was unfinished business for the program, he knew that there were parts of his game that he could work on and put himself in a better position to enter professional football in 2021.
"There were areas that I still needed to showcase and better myself for the opportunity to play at the next level, if I get that chance," Thompson said. "I wanted to continue to work and get better, really."
His quest of perfection in his craft is something that will lead to longevity as he pursues a career in professional football. It also sets the tone for each day as he leads his unit in practice.
A tone-setter by trait, he feels the way he works at practice leads to better showings on Saturday. This is a trait he credits his father, and former pee wee football coach, Erroll, Sr., with instilling in him.
"My dad [taught me to lead by example]," said the younger Thompson. "When I was younger he told me to lead by example and if someone is going to praise you, accept it and keep working hard. One thing I learned from [my dad] is everyone can talk about [how good you are], but it's your job to go out and set a good example for those around you."
Hopefully now, that young Mississippi State from earlier realizes he is lucky to grow up watching Thompson strap on his pads and represent the Maroon and White each week. And, as the final games of Thompson's career wind down, he wants to continue to set that example for his teammates and the next generation of Bulldogs.
"I'd hope my teammates would say I was a humble person who represented Mississippi State well," Thompson said when asked what his legacy might be. "I want people to remember me as a guy who was always respectful and someone that gave his all and never took anything for granted. I try to be a humble, respectful young man and be the best I can for the fans and my teammates."
Humble, respectful and hardworking are all traits the Bulldog program was built on and Erroll Thompson has added yet another brick to that foundation.
Erroll Thompson arrived at Mississippi State as a three-star linebacker out of Florence High School. Recruited by many of the top programs in the country, Thompson announced his top five schools in the recruiting process on June 12, 2015, and less than 50 days later he announced his intentions to choose Mississippi State on National Signing Day in February 2016.
"The recruiting process was pretty normal, I think," said Thompson. "It was the usual: in and out of visits, not really knowing exactly what you want to do [at the start] and getting pulled here and going there."
Though five schools remained in contention, the recruiting gurus had it pared down to a pair of school less than three hours each from his hometown. On signing day, Thompson made what he called an "easy choice," electing to take the two hour and 47 minute drive down the Natchez Trace Parkway to Starkville.
"It was narrowed down to five schools, but I kind of knew right away that I wanted to come to Mississippi State," Thompson said. "I kept it open with other schools, but in my heart Mississippi State was where I wanted to be...It just fit me really well, personality wise, and I really liked the campus and the people at Mississippi State."
The high school running back turned linebacker stood out at his position, though he only played two seasons on the defensive side of the ball. His instincts for the position and
the physicality he brought to the field stood out, as did his passion for the game.
Though he did not know it at the time, the position change was the first of a handful of changes coming in Thompson's football life.
"The last five or six years have really taught me a lot," said Thompson. "It helped me mature quickly and showed me how life can work - especially in football. People move around and things change. So, for me, I've been able to learn new schemes and play for different personalities."
While the coaches have changed for Thompson, he has embraced the challenge of learning new schemes, growing into his leadership role and working with different people, all while representing Mississippi State in a first-class manner.
"My college football journey has been very unique and very fun," said Thompson. "I wouldn't change anything about it. It has been a very humbling experience.
"Seeing all of the different things and playing for the different coaches that have come through has been tough but rewarding. To play in different schemes, learn to listen and really take everything that each coach has brought has been a big thing for me. I feel like in the long run I will benefit from it all."
One thing that has stayed consistent during this time at Mississippi State is his style of play and the production he brings on and off the field each day. A self-proclaimed "thumper" that "likes to lead by example," Thompson has been the model of consistency for MSU.
He followed his redshirt season of 2016 with SEC All-Freshman Team honors in 2017, starting the final three games of the season. He went on to make 29-straight starts over the next two seasons and was a second-team All-SEC pick as a sophomore after posting 87 tackles, including nine tackles for loss.
After 83 stops as a junior, Thompson had a decision to make: enter in the NFL Draft or return to school for his final season.
"I felt like my time [at Mississippi State] wasn't finished," Thompson said on the decision to return to school. "We still have things we need to accomplish, and I wanted to give everything I could to Mississippi State. Coming back was what I needed to do."
Not only did Thompson feel that there was unfinished business for the program, he knew that there were parts of his game that he could work on and put himself in a better position to enter professional football in 2021.
"There were areas that I still needed to showcase and better myself for the opportunity to play at the next level, if I get that chance," Thompson said. "I wanted to continue to work and get better, really."
His quest of perfection in his craft is something that will lead to longevity as he pursues a career in professional football. It also sets the tone for each day as he leads his unit in practice.
A tone-setter by trait, he feels the way he works at practice leads to better showings on Saturday. This is a trait he credits his father, and former pee wee football coach, Erroll, Sr., with instilling in him.
"My dad [taught me to lead by example]," said the younger Thompson. "When I was younger he told me to lead by example and if someone is going to praise you, accept it and keep working hard. One thing I learned from [my dad] is everyone can talk about [how good you are], but it's your job to go out and set a good example for those around you."
Hopefully now, that young Mississippi State from earlier realizes he is lucky to grow up watching Thompson strap on his pads and represent the Maroon and White each week. And, as the final games of Thompson's career wind down, he wants to continue to set that example for his teammates and the next generation of Bulldogs.
"I'd hope my teammates would say I was a humble person who represented Mississippi State well," Thompson said when asked what his legacy might be. "I want people to remember me as a guy who was always respectful and someone that gave his all and never took anything for granted. I try to be a humble, respectful young man and be the best I can for the fans and my teammates."
Humble, respectful and hardworking are all traits the Bulldog program was built on and Erroll Thompson has added yet another brick to that foundation.
Players Mentioned
LB
/ FootballMEN'S BASKETBALL | Chris Jans Media Session - 11/26/25
Wednesday, November 26
MEN'S BASKETBALL | Amier Ali & Ja'Borri McGhee Postgame Press Conference vs. New Orleans - 11/24/25
Monday, November 24
MEN'S BASKETBALL | Chris Jans Postgame Press Conference vs. New Orleans - 11/24/25
Monday, November 24
FOOTBALL | Nic Mitchell Game Week vs. Ole Miss
Sunday, November 23