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Rose Bowl Preview With Washington Football Alum Shaq Thompson

By Roman Tomashoff

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 13: Linebacker Shaq Thompson #7 of the Washington Huskies reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 13, 2014 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 13: Linebacker Shaq Thompson #7 of the Washington Huskies reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 13, 2014 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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We sat down with former Husky and current Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson to talk about his thoughts on the Rose Bowl and the future of the Washington Football program.

You played one season under Chris Petersen, how does it feel to see him revive this Washington football program and get it back to the Rose Bowl?

It’s great to see Coach P, bring this team and organization back like Don James had it. Just one year playing with him I could tell he going to be one hell of a coach. They guys he recruits aren’t 5star guys. But they are guys that come in and get to work and wants to win games. It isn’t just Petersen, I know it starts with him but the coaches are the same way, the weight room guys (Tim Socha) the training staff, the people in the office. He definitely brought the program back and where it should of been.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time under Coach Pete?

Favorite memory is when I had asked him to play some running back(jokingly) and got the chance make my first start at running back during Eastern Washington I believe. And just being able to play both ways.

Dwayne Haskins is the 2nd leading passer in the NCAA this season, how well do you think this Husky secondary matches up with the OSU offense?

I think our secondary can match up with anybody. I think they are the strength of that defense. They all can play man to man and run with anybody.. we definitely have one of the best in the country.

Who has been your favorite Husky to watch this season and why?

Ben Burr-Kirven is the guy I like to watch, he can play sideline to sideline. And he has a motor. Any my guy Taylor Rapp.

After the strong recruiting classes over the last two seasons and the incredible coaching staff, how do you feel about the future of the Husky program?

The program can only go up.. Pete and the staff are doing a great job. I think the program can only go up from here. Pete and the staff are recruiting their ass off and grabbing people that fit the defense and the character.

What do you think of Jacob Eason?

He’s going to be a machine next year. Mobile, great pocket QB and a great player

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