2025 Interview with Jeb Thompson,Jackson High School

Jeb Thompson

Jackson High School

RG, LG, DE

2026

6’1 230

Jersey Number: 566

Awards won or earned: 2xx FAC All-Academic

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and/or memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

The bus ride home from Logan was a very memorable experience. We had just won our season opener by a landslide, and we were all having a good time playing popular country songs on our teammate's speaker.

With this coming season your last, are you approaching things differently than you have in the past?

My training has remained the same,, as it has always provided me with results. I lift with the football team and do extra workouts to improve my athleticism at AP Prep. However, this winter I began wrestling,, and I dropped from 265 lbs.s. down to 215 lbs.s. so I could wrestle in the 215 class. Since then, I’ve put on another 15 15 lb or so be able to hold my own on the line. I feel a lot better on my feet,, and I’ve gained a lot of balance and coordination,, which I’m looking forward to demonstrating on Friday nights.

What makes you a good teammate?

I am a leader to my teammates by example. I am a consistent hard worker. I finish my reps and sets with high intensity and energy in the weight room. I feel that my and my lifting partner’s energy influences the weight room and gives the rest of the guys a “second wind” when they have no more energy to give. I set the example that I expect the rest of the team to follow. I am not a jerk to my teammates when they are under performing. I remind them of what they need to be doing,, and they typically follow,, which I greatly appreciate from them,, as we grow as a team when we push ourselves together.

Which game are you looking forward to the most?

I’m looking forward mostly to the Wheelersburg game. A win in that game would make me undefeated against Wheelersburg in my entire time as an Ironman.

What is the worst part of two-a-days?

The worst part of two-a-days is the days when we don’t lift. When we don’t lift, we will be on the field for that first practice for 3 hours,, and it becomes hard to focus after a while.

Which teammate is the toughest to square up with during practice?

#64 Grant Kennedy has to be the most difficult. He’s a big fella,, and he has the best understanding of body positioning and leverage I’ve ever encountered. He’s nearly impossible to move when you’re head-on-head.

What was the highlight of the 2024 season?

The final drive of the Wheelersburg game had to be the highlight of my season. Our entire line was getting pancake block after pancake block. Nolan was running wild even with no energy left. Our drive was unstoppable. We punched the ball into the end end with time barely remaining,, and I feel like it truly demonstrated the strength, willpower, and toughness that our team had.

Which moment during the season stung the most?

The Hamilton-Ross loss hurt the most. In a game that we were heavily favored in,, we lost in the last seconds in our last-ever match up against them.

If you could take one home game and move it to any stadium in the nation, where are you playing that game?

I would move it to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That stadium is super cool.

What is the biggest life lesson football has taught you?

The biggest lesson football has taught me is that if I can manage the two-a-days, the rough practices, the bad games, failing coaches' expectations when I try my hardest, having a big loss when I should have won, managing the schoolwork taking proper care of my body, and and making sure of taking care of my relationships and responsibilities outside of football, then I have learned that I can handle anything that life throws at me.

Is there a pro or college player that you pattern your game after?

While I don’t pattern my game after Brian Dawkins, I try to bring the same energy he used to have.

If you are invited to play in any of the all-star games after the season, will you?

Depending on what game it was, I would consider it,, though.

Would you share with the readers how the recruiting process is going and mention a school or two you are hearing from?

I have recently received an offer from Muskingum University,, and I am currently being recruited by Mount Union. I plan to attend games this fall at both of the schools.

What scares you?

A slightly irrational fear,, but it is spiders. Living on a farm,, I always fear getting bit by a brown recluse or a black widow,, but regardless, I don’t react well to any spider bites. I itch and swell, and it becomes a pain in the butt to deal with.

Where is your dream vacation spot?

I want to visit Fiji. It looks like such a beautiful place, and I want to see and experience it in person one day.

What is your go-to snack?

My go-to snack is the Cookies and Cream protein bar by Barebells. I could eat a whole box of those in a sitting.