Topic: H-D: Herd DE Gary Thompson exploding into playmaker

[ZackUSAF82]

GRANT TRAYLOR

HUNTINGTON -- A few years ago, there was a defensive end named Vinny Curry that burst onto the scene at Marshall with a quick first step and an explosive burst off the line that wreaked havoc on the opposition and made plays for the defense.

On Friday, Marshall fans might have gotten a glimpse of the future, and it had a strong resemblance to the former Herd leader, who is now with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles.

Gary Thompson, a redshirt freshman defensive end from La Mesa, Calif., proved to be a disruptive force for the Herd defense.

From his defensive end spot, Thompson intercepted a pair of passes from East Carolina's Shane Carden, including one he returned for a touchdown, while also logging a pair of quarterback hurries to help the Herd to a 59-28 win over the Pirates that helped the Herd clinch the Conference USA East Division championship on Senior Day.

Link: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1584263342/Herd-DE-Gary-Thompson-exploding-into-playmaker