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Illinois • #90 • DL

James Thompson Jr.

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Big Ten Standings

Team Conf Overall
IND
 9-0 16-0
OHIOST
 9-0 12-2
OREG
 8-1 13-2
USC
 7-2 9-4
MICH
 7-2 9-4
IOWA
 6-3 9-4
WASH
 5-4 9-4
ILL
 5-4 9-4
MINN
 5-4 8-5
NEB
 4-5 7-6
NWEST
 4-5 7-6
PSU
 3-6 7-6
UCLA
 3-6 3-9
RUT
 2-7 5-7
WISC
 2-7 4-8
MICHST
 1-8 4-8
MD
 1-8 4-8
PURDUE
 0-9 2-10
Full Standings
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Draft Scouting Report

Pro Comparison: Jarron Jones
Summary

James Thompson Jr. is a tall, two-gapping interior defensive lineman who showed the ability to finish plays this past fall at Illinois. While his impact as a pass rusher has been limited, his size and style project best to an early-down run defense role.

About
  • 2025: Honorable Mention All-Big Ten
  • 2025: Started all 13 games after missing most of previous season with torn pec
Strengths
  • Hands have pop on contact and can control blocks one-on-one.
  • Has traits that fit a 3-4 defensive end role.
Weaknesses
  • Unusual build with a tall frame and shorter arms.
  • Tends to play in a narrow lane too often.
  • Stiff lower body limits his ability to finish plays.

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Player Bio

HT/WT: 6-6, 310 lbs
Birthplace: Cincinnati, OH
Class: Senior