SEATTLE (AP) — Shaq Thompson was one of the most heralded recruits Washington has landed since Steve Sarkisian arrived in Seattle. He was to be the next generation of the hard-hitting defensive backs that have cycled through the program, but with a unique blend of size and athleticism.
Then something happened on Thompson’s way to becoming the next Lawyer Milloy or Dashon Goldson roaming the back of the Huskies defense as a standout safety. Washington realized that Thompson fit best as a linebacker.
So far, it’s turned out to be the correct choice for the 15th-ranked Huskies (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) heading into Saturday’s showdown at No. 5 Stanford. Thompson is coming off the best game of his young career with 13 tackles last Saturday against Arizona.