The Devy Digest, Freshman Friday’s – featuring Auburn Tigers WR Perry Thompson.
- Perry Thompson
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Auburn Tigers
- 6’3” 205 lbs
- Draft Eligible: 2027
- Devy Digest Freshman WR Rank: 6
Who is Perry Thompson?
Perry Thompson was a 4⭐️ in the composites who attended Foley High in Alabama. Thompson was a two sport athlete early on, but gave up basketball to focus on football. Thompson made varsity as a Freshman and was a starter in that season. He would breakout in his Sophomore season, while his Junior season is what catapulted him on a national level. Thompson held 18 offers and it was widely accepted that Auburn was the favored to land him early on – and they did.
Auburn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR commit Perry Thompson laying out for the TDpic.twitter.com/4fU2uFXjx9
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) September 16, 2023
Perry Thompson is a big-bodied, physical receiver with good speed. He has a track background and while his raw speed is there, the film suggest that the speed is not an equal transition on the football field. There are often times where the corner is able to keep pace with him, but Thompson has the acceleration to create separation at the last moment. However, Thompson’s skill set and build do not line up.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, you would imagine Thompson being a true X-receiver. But with his shiftiness, lateral movement, and track speed, Thompson was used in the slot and played opposite the X-receiver. However, he does bring a good change of direction – which at his frame will cause issues for corners at the next level.
Thompson appears to be raw at times, which could explain why cornerbacks are able to keep up with him. A better set of release packages should help him have a better cruising speed down the field. However, he does need refinement and coaching to be able to hone his craft. Thompson will need to better utilize his speed, as he is simply too inconsistent with that asset.
Thompson has good vision with the ball and can create after the catch and was used as a returner. It’s possible he will be used closer to the line of scrimmage to manufacture touches and then use his speed on vertical routes – filling in his route tree later on at his time with Auburn.
Perry Thompson reminds me of a young Allen Lazard at this point. He has good speed whose inconsistent and needs refinement to hone his craft. Thompson’s unique set of speed and lateral quickness to go along with his big bodied frame could cause a lot of mismatches at the next level. The coaching staff at Auburn will need to mold him. He is a raw athlete who is being coveted for those potential traits.
Pathway to Success
Auburn brought in four high profile wide receiving recruits and two from the portal. This includes Robert Lewis, who projects to be a slot receiver. Auburn does not really have any depth or talent at the position and the six new faces prove that. Perry Thompson did not enroll early and will not be eligible to participate in spring practices and game, but he will be available in the summer.
While we’ve seen True Freshmen make an impact without being an early enrollee, it is something to note. He will need to create a rapport with the incumbent QB Payton Thorne, or with fellow True Freshman Walker White. Meanwhile, two True Freshmen WRs will enroll early (Cam Coleman and Bryce Cain).
Due to Auburn not having the depth at the position, it is possible for Thompson to see the field early and establish a role. At worst, he could be used as a returner and try to make an impact. It’s possible that Thompson might start the season as a backup to Camden Brown, but could overtake him during the season when the coaching staff feels more comfortable with him. His best chances are during non-conference weeks when Auburn is able to put the game away and can turn to their younger assets for key playing time.
Areas for Improvements & Concerns
Quarterback play is one concern. While Payton Thorne did not have any real weapons last year, at times he simply did not look good. He should be able to hold off Walker White, but it’s possible that White could be mixed in on Wildcat packages and be used like Tim Tebow. But that isn’t the only concern.
Not enrolling early is an issue, as fellow True Freshmen Cam Coleman and Bryce Cain will be. This allows them to work in and get a feel for the offense and system before Thompson ever steps on campus as a student. Another concern is that wide receiver room.
Four True Freshman, two transfers (including a Group of 5 player and a former quarterback) come into a room that already has Camden Brown – who has shown flashes in his two years and Caleb Burton. There’s a lot of uncertainty on how the room will play out.
Another concern is head coach Hugh Freeze might play it safe and rely on the run game. Freeze will need to win games in the SEC to keep the fanbase and the NIL collective happy.
As far as his gameplay is concerned, Perry Thompson is a raw and unfinished product that could take time to develop. The talent is there and nobody questions that, but his ability to consistently get on the field as a True Freshman remains a concern.
Devy & C2C Value
In Devy drafts, Thompson will go in that second wave of freshman wide receivers. He will likely be taken in round two or the beginning of the third round. Each Devy league treats Freshmen differently. In some leagues, they don’t take the Freshman early, so you have to know your league.
In a C2C supplemental draft, he will likely be chosen in the end of the first round or the beginning half of the second round. Due to the deep wide receiver class and multiple players enrolling at Auburn, you could get a slight discount and wait and get him.
NFL Outlook
My comp for Perry Thompson is Allen Lazard, who came into the league with a lot of promise but was still raw and needed refinement. Thompson brings a unique skill set for his size and could develop into the best receiver in his Auburn class. He has an opportunity to be a first round pick in the NFL draft if everything unfolds the way we hope.
Andy Pham
Andy is the creator of the Devy Digest. His passion is devy and C2C. Andy's Devy Diguest articles provide insightful, yet thoughtful commentary to give you a leg up on the devy prospects so you know how to approach your devy and C2C drafts. With The Devy Digest podcast, Andy provides episodes of interesting and exciting topics and when he invites guests, you get to be a fly on the wall, listening in on two people having a conversation where they give you a different perspective. Come, join the journey that is Andy's Devy Digest.