Former Kennett star has 'popped off' this spring for SEMO FB

Veteran Southeast Missouri State football coach Tom Matukewicz didn’t necessarily plan on having to utilize Redhawk true freshman outside linebacker Latrevion Thompson last fall. However, injuries, as well as Thompson showing some potential, forced the Redhawk coaches' hands, and the former Kennett High School standout ultimately participated in five games.

“He was very natural,” Matukewicz said of a young Thompson. “You don’t have to coach him on football movements. He did those very well.

“As a freshman, he was totally above what a normal (player) is.”

If Thompson made a mark as a freshman, SEMO fans will like what they see from him as a sophomore.

Thompson has put on 23 pounds of muscle this spring, which has made him a really impressive athlete, both in the weight room, as well as on the field.

“He should be a pretty good pass rusher,” Matukewicz said. “We’ll still developing that a little bit, but skill-wise, he’s pretty talented.”

Thompson is getting a long look this spring from the SEMO coaching staff, as starting outside (rush) linebacker Keandre Booker is out this spring with a labrum injury.

As a true freshman, Thompson made eight tackles (three solo) and had ½ of a sack in his eight games.

It’s early in the 15 spring practice sessions, but Matukewicz has seen a difference from the bigger, stronger, and faster (both physically and mentally) Thompson so far.

“He seems like he is processing things quicker,” Matukewicz said. “When he first got here (last June), the game is so fast, he’s a freshman, and all of that, it seems like it is slowing down a little bit for him.

“I’ve noticed that he is reacting a little quicker. His (mental) processor is speeding up on defense and he is not having to think so much.”

SEMO is without Booker, for now, as well as Austin Carter, Jordan Cole (graduated), and Keilyn Tyus, who aren’t on the 2023 roster. That will leave veteran Mike Matthews, Booker, and Thompson, among others, to battle for playing time on the edges next fall.

“’LT,’” Matukewicz said, “he is the guy, who on paper has really popped off, like ‘Holy crap!’”

Thompson is now squatting nearly 500 pounds and his bench press topped out at 285.

“His squat has increased 150 pounds,” Matukewicz said.

His clean and jerk registered 325 pounds, and Thompson’s vertical jump is nearly 33 inches.

He also ran a 4.6 40-yard dash.

The Redhawks’ spring practices will conclude on April 21 at 6 p.m. with their annual spring game. This year’s game will be held at Scott City High School.