The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Another son of the Bahamian soil has worked his way onto an NFL roster following the 2013 NFL Draft.

While he did not have the opportunity to hear his name called during the draft, Jason Thompson was signed to a three-year contract as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins immediately following the 78th edition of the draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Thompson, a 6’3” 190-pound wide receiver from the University of New Haven Chargers was one of 18 undrafted free agents signed by the Redskins, which included a number of playmakers at the position to help strengthen the passing game in the Robert Griffin III era.

The son of Jason Thompson Sr and Annita McKnight, he finished with 132 receptions for 2,511 yards and 36 touchdowns at the collegiate level.

Thompson was at his best over the final two seasons where he amassed the bulk of his offensive output.

Of his aforementioned numbers, 1,900 yards and 30 touchdowns came in his junior and senior seasons while he averaged over 22 yards per catch.

In his senior season he recorded 44 catches for 881 yards and 16 touchdowns and recorded a 4.47s 40-yard-dash.

In New Haven history, he ranks near the top in receiving touchdowns and receiving yards, while finishing fifth in receptions in the UNH record books.

The Redskins are scheduled to hold rookie mini-camp May 4-6 in Ashburn, Virginia.

Washington, the defending NFC East Champions, went 10-6 and captured their first division title since 1999.

Thompson was one of three Chargers to gain an NFL opportunity this weekend along with defensive lineman Raheem Stanley and quarterback Ryan Osiecki who were invited to the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots rookie camps respectively.

“I’m very happy for them,” said head football coach Peter Rossomando. “They have committed themselves to getting better every day and I’m positive their NFL experiences will be fulfilling. The entire Charger football family wishes them luck as they begin this chapter of their careers.”

In the history of the programme, just two Chargers were drafted in the NFL, Miles McPherson in 1982 and Harry Boatswain in 1991.

From his Twitter account @JTQuatro, Thompson has briefly chronicled his post draft journey. “Washington Redskins!! We Live!!” “Thankful for the opportunity I’ve received bout to give it my all and congrats to all my boys that got signed” “*feels like it’s the last bend of the 400* finish line in sight how bad do you want it..meet me in the weight room.”