Not often do you see a Duke football player make it to the NFL but Juwan Thompson is trying to make a name for himself in the league.
Whenever you hear someone’s name announced in the NFL you never expect it to be a guy from Duke. Duke is a basketball powerhouse that produces NBA talent at an extremely high level. It is rare that someone makes it to the NFL from Duke. Juwan Thompson is trying to change that.
Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Juwan Thompson (40) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker James-Michael Johnson (52) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Thompson didn’t take an easy or usual path to the NFL. He went to Duke. He went undrafted. Now he is on the Denver Broncos and has produced well in limited time.
When you look at his college rushing career the statistics and numbers won’t jump off the page. Thompson played for Duke from 2010 to 2013 and finished his career with 1,244 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 274 carries. Those are numbers many guys eclipse in a single season. His numbers were never spectacular but he never gave up.
Thompson started all 12 games his junior season and was named to the Academic All-ACC team for the second consecutive season. Coming into his senior season his experience and work ethic were going to be key for Duke. During his senior season Thompson was fourth on the team in yards and fifth on the team in rushing attempts. What makes Thompson valuable is his ability to block and his leadership. Two things that are extremely easy to overlook by fans in the NFL.
It was clear he wasn’t going to be drafted following his senior season and it was easy to assume his football career would be over. That is until the Denver Broncos came calling. Thompson signed as undrafted free agent on a team that was extremely deep at running back. He would be sitting behind Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman, and C.J. Anderson. How could Thompson even see the field being fourth on the depth chart?
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As any fan of the NFL knows, injuries happen. Montee Ball got hurt and Ronnie Hillman got hurt. Ball has been injured all season and Hillman has been battling injuries as well. The Broncos depth was suddenly cut down and Thompson was earning his playing time.
He doesn’t get a ton of playing time or touches but he is effective when he does. For the season Thompon has 54 carries, 272 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Again the numbers aren’t staggering but he is effective. He is averaging five yards per carry. He has only fumbled the ball once and the Broncos recovered the ball.
Thompson is making his presence known in large part because of his effectiveness. Thompson also has the Broncos’ longest run in three years which was a 47 yard rush against Buffalo.
Everyone in the NFL knows that injuries are going to happen and when your name is called you have to be ready. Thompson has done just that. He has seen the field in large part due to injuries but he has earned it as well. He has taken advantage of the extra playing time and has helped the Broncos running attack.
It will be interesting to see where Thompson falls on the depth chart with Hillman getting healthier again. Thompson’s NFL future is not guaranteed but he is quickly proving that he can become a second running back in the league. After all he is averaging five yards per carry.
We are all rooting for Juwan Thompson to succeed and have a long healthy career in the NFL. It is not often to hear Duke in the NFL but Thompson is one of the select few leading the charge.