Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Praises Former Utah State WR Deven Thompkins
Dec 23, 2022, 11:39 AM
Deven Thompkins #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs after a catch during a preseason game `az at Raymond James Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich praised former Utah State standout Deven Thompkins for his love of the game and work ethic as a rookie.
On Thursday, December 22, Leftwich spoke about Thompkins ahead of Tampa Bay’s Week 16 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
“To see a young guy come in and love the game the way that he loves the game and what he’s willing to do to have success, it’s a special thing and unique,” the offensive coordinator said of the USU great.
Thompkins was recently elevated from the Buccaneers’ practice squad to the team’s 53-man active roster.
"To see a young guy come in and love the game the way that he loves the game and what he's willing to do to have success, it's a special thing and unique."
🗣️: OC Byron Leftwich on @GrandmasterDT pic.twitter.com/zKv8nhD996
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 22, 2022
In two games played this season, the Fort Myers, Florida native had recorded one reception for seven yards and one rush for nine yards. Thompkins has also returned four punts for a total of 35 yards and eight kickoffs for a total of 171 yards.
54 yard return for @GrandmasterDT ‼️Former Utah State Aggie Deven Thompkins made his NFL regular season debut on punt and kick returns for a total of 144 yards. Glad to see he’s finally getting his chance! pic.twitter.com/ToYmNx2Iec
— Zach 🤘🐮 (@ususzn) December 12, 2022
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The Buccaneers are currently in first place in the NFC South division with a 6-8 record.
Tampa Bay’s next game is against Arizona on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 at 6:20 p.m. (MDT). The Sunday Night Football game will be broadcast on KSL 5 TV.
About Deven Thompkins
Before playing in the NFL, Thompkins played for the Aggies from 2018-21.
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles speaks on if Deven Thompkins was close to making the roster out of training camp. pic.twitter.com/zLD5s6UqfF
— PewterReport (@PewterReport) December 14, 2022
The receiver recorded 171 receptions for 2,519 yards and 15 touchdowns during his USU career. He added 15 rushes for 138 yards and one touchdown on the ground.
In 2021, Thompkins had a career-high 102 catches for 1,704 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished the season as the nation’s second-leading receiver in yards.
He also helped USU to an 11-3 record, a Mountain West title, and an LA Bowl victory last season.
Deven Thompkins NFL debut ✅ pic.twitter.com/9C6XgcmQzN
— Sports by Tampa Bay Times (@TBTimes_Sports) December 11, 2022
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thompkins signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent in April.
RELATED: USU WR Deven Thompkins Signs UDFA Deal With Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Thompkins’ Pro Day Results
Measurements: 5-foot-7-inches, 167 pounds
40-Yard: 4.35 seconds
Vertical Jump: 38.5 inches
Broad Jump: 132 inches
Three-Cone: 6.98 seconds
Short-Shuttle: 4.18 seconds
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
