Thompson could be national recruit

Shaq Thompson is one of the top juniors in California and what makes the Sacramento (Calif.) Grant prospect even more dangerous is that he plays running back and safety and dominates both positions.

"He'll be a big deal come next year," Grant coach Mike Alberghini said.

Some say Thompson already is a big deal with Cal, USC and many other schools involved in his recruitment. Most Pac-10 schools are recruiting the 6-foot-2, 185-pound prospect and he's good enough to get recruited nationally by powerhouse programs across the country.

Alberghini wasn't even sure where Thompson's offer list stands mainly because so many schools are recruiting him but it's still unclear which have officially offered. As time goes on, Thompson will have his pick of programs.

"A lot of them just because they're just starting, I know everybody says they're offering but I don't know if they've officially offered him yet," Alberghini said. "Just about everywhere is involved. He gets so much mail each week from all these different places and he continues to grow."

Thompson has grown at least an inch or maybe two since last season and Alberghini said his star prospect could grow out of being a running back in college. He rushed for 1,882 yards and 25 touchdowns this season and it could have been way more if Grant didn't have many other offensive weapons. He's also a lethal hitter at safety.

"He's over 6-2 now and he might just grow out of a being a running back," Alberghini said. "I think he's a kid who can do everything. He's going to be exciting next year."

Thompson was outstanding at the Palo Alto NIKE Camp this past spring and continued his onslaught during his junior season.

In terms of his recruitment, Cal has to be considered because his brother, Syd'Quan, played for the Golden Bears and Thompson said he likes it there a lot but it's so early that it's hard to judge which programs really stand out.

The Grant foursome of seniors Viliami Moala, James Sample, Puka Lopa and Darryl Paulo have all talked about playing in the Pac-10 and possibly even playing together but Alberghini said if one of his players goes his own way it could be Thompson in the 2012 class.

"Sometimes when you have four kids who are all really good friends and are all being offered they have visions they're going to the same place but I think they're breaking that down now," Alberghini said.

"Shaq will kind of be by himself there. It might influence him if one of the kids goes to a school he's really interested in but I think he probably among all of them might venture away."