Gators’ Thompson humbled, hungry
GAINESVILLE — UF senior tailback Mark Thompson is not making any predictions.
He learned his there.
Thompson learned a lot last season — a humbling, eye-opening and at times embarrassing first brush with SEC football.
This year, Thompson will let his performance speak for itself.
“I would say last year did motivate me and humble me,” he said. “Because I made some predictions, I said some things. I was saying a lot before even stepping on the field. Yes, it humbled me a lot.
“I’m just looking forward to my senior year. I will have a lot of focus.”
Thompson arrived at UF focused on the wrong things.
A highly touted junior college transfer, Thompson joined a crowded, competitive UF backfield and arguably the toughest conference in college football.
By the time preseason practices opened, he felt like he had everything figured out.
During the team’s media day in August, Thompson boldly predicted he would rush for 1,000 yards by the Georgia game, UF’s seventh on the schedule. When Georgia week arrived, he had gained just 262 yards and was serving a onegame suspension following a citation for marijuana possession.
“Not being able to play in that game really hurt,” recalled Thompson, who watched the Georgia game on television. “It really made me realize, ‘Hey I’m not doing the right thing, let me step back and really re-evaluate everything I’m lesson doing, and stay on the right track.’”
Following the suspension, Thompson’s season instead continued to go off the rails.
Thompson entered the South Carolina game as the Gators drove for a second early touchdown.
He immediately fumbled, a recurring problem that prompted him to show up to classes toting a football to reinforce how to hold it tightly.
These days, Thompson is not carrying a ball to class or any baggage from last season.
“Adversity is a part of life, no matter what you’re doing,” the 22-year-old said. “And perseverance is, in my opinion, the key to life. You’re always going to come across speed bumps, struggles. Things that you have to get past on your journey, whatever you’re trying to do.
“So I look at it as a speed bump, a learning experience and mistakes that can’t be repeated.”
Thompson also looks at how his season ended. He closed with an 85-yard touchdown against Iowa on New Year’s Day in the Outback Bowl.
The 6-foot-2, 237-pound Thompson caught a screen, made two nice cuts, broke a couple of tackles, stiffarmed another defender and then showed an impressive burst of speed to reach the end zone.
The play snapped a 3-3 tie, ignited UF’s decisive 30-3 win and buoyed Thompson entering the offseason.
“That got him moving,” sophomore tailback Lamical Perine said. “There’s more to expect from him. He’s a good player, man. He’s going to do good things this year.”
Thompson is off good start this spring.
“I’ve been really happy with Mark Thompson, the way he’s going,” UF coach Jim McElwain said. “I think he’s taken some maturity steps.”
Thompson realized he had no choice but to change course. He believes the best is yet come.
“I’m headed in the right direction,” Thompson said. “I’m not heading backward, I’m not taking any steps back.
“I’m very, very ready to see what’s in store for me these next few months.” to a