5-Star DB Shaquille Thompson: The Pros and Cons of All of His Top Contenders

Shaq Thompson is the top DB prospect in the country this year. With an ability to factor at either safety position, the 6'2", 210-pounder is a rare find for the back end.

He has a steep list of suitors, but seems to be keen on only a select group of schools. Come inside and find out who those schools are, and what the pros and cons of each program are for Thompson.

Washington

Pros:

Thomspon took a visit to Seattle on September 23rd and enjoyed himself there. Heading up to play for U-Dub would keep him on the West coast (not overly far from home) and give him a chance for early playing time.

Cons:

Washington has a chance to be a good solid Pac-12 team, but they likely won't eclipse USC and Oregon anytime soon for longtime supremacy. So a Rose Bowl berth and BCS bowl berth may be tough to achieve with the Huskies if those are main goals for Thompson.

Michigan

Pros:

The Wolverines look like a dark horse in the Thompson sweepstakes, but they do have a scheduled official visit to host him on November 26th. Why's that so important? It's the Ohio State game. Joining a potential Top 5-10 recruiting class and being the headliner would be huge. Plus Thompson could leave UM as the best DB since Charles Woodson.

Cons:

Thompson has admitted that he does get homesick and Ann Arbor is not close to Sacramento. Plus, the weather in the fall in Michigan is far from how it is in California. Furthermore, as a DB, playing in the Big Ten isn't the best way to get battle tested.

Oregon

Pros:

Right now, Thompson will tell you the Ducks are his leader. So, Oregon sits pretty right now. He was in Eugene on October 15th and had an amazing time. The facilities, playing time, chance to constantly compete for titles and proximity to home all appeal to Thompson.

Cons:

There's the whole NCAA investigation thing that needs to be resolved, though, and no one knows what the outcome will be. I'm sure his brother Syd'Quan would not like him playing for a Pac-12 conference rival to Cal, but it's Shaq's choice.

Notre Dame

Pros:

Thompson visited South Bend October 22nd for the USC game. He flew five hours after a Friday night game and the trip was a bit quick. However, his high school coach says he was impressed by the atmosphere of the campus and of course the stadium and university.

Cons:

It doesn't sound like Thompson had a chance to fully digest the Irish program. He met with Brian Kelly, but with long travel and tightness for time, he may not have seen everything he needed. Plus, again, Notre Dame is far from home, and Thompson has said in the past that he does get homesick.

California

Pros:

Thompson committed to Cal in the spring, but he only stayed pledged for about a week. However, Cal would be the hometown school and he could easily start early there. He has family ties to the program and many of his Grant (CA) teammates are on the Bears' roster.

Cons:

Maybe Thompson feels it's time he leaves the NorCal area. Plus, Cal has not been an upper echelon team in the Pac-12 for several years so winning conference titles and BCS bowls will be tough here.