Michigan ATH grabs first offer

Eastpointe (Mich.) East Detroit's Ron Thompson is one of several outstanding wide receiver prospects in the state of Michigan for the 2012 class, though he also has the ability to play other positions. This past weekend, Thompson picked up his first offer of the recruiting process.

"The offer came from Toledo on Saturday," Thompson reported. "It feels good and lets me know I can play at the next level."

Thompson received his offer from Toledo head coach Tim Beckman at the Rocket's Junior Day on Saturday. The Junior Day experience gave the Detroit area native a chance to explore Toledo's campus and look more deeply into their program.

"I went up there, liked the coaching staff and they treated me good," Thompson said. "I liked their facilities - the new one they just built - I liked how they keep up with you and make sure you keep up with their class work."

Toledo is the first to offer, but they are far from the only team to be showing interest in Thompson at this stage of the process. Syracuse, Illinois, Wisconsin, Akron, Michigan, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati have also been by the school or sent mail since the end of his junior season. At this stage of the process, Thompson is pretty wide open, but he does know he likes a couple schools in particular.

"I'm in the state of Michigan, so Michigan is my first priority and I hope they come through," Thompson said. "Then, I would say I really like Toledo."

After taking in Toledo's Junior Day on Saturday, Thompson drove over to East Lansing, Mich., to attend Michigan State's Junior Day on Sunday.

"I had a chance to see their campus and it was a nice visit," Thompson said. "They treated me real good, I liked the coaching staff, I liked the facilities and I also liked the atmosphere. They told me they are going to get back with me about what position they think I should play at the next level."

As a junior, Thompson caught 41 passes for 655 yards and ten touchdowns from the wide receiver position. He also tallied 15 solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble while seeing some spot duty at defensive end. Although wide receiver is his primary position in high school, many college coaches are interested in him for defense.

"A lot of coaches are talking about d-end," Thompson said. "They say there are not a lot of kids who can play d-end who are quick and fast, so that's where they want to put me.

"My preferred position is wherever a coach wants to put me. I like playing both sides of the ball, so whatever is going to help the team the most, that's what I am going to do."