A New Beginning: Jerrin Thompson’s Journey to Auburn
Jerrin “Bug” Thompson has quickly become a familiar face at Auburn’s Woltosz Football Performance Center despite being a newcomer to the Tigers’ roster. The safety transferred from Texas with an impressive college football resume and a heartfelt story driving his athletic career.
Thompson carries his childhood nickname “Bug” with pride. His father Joe began calling him “Lovebug” when he was just a baby, and the name stuck throughout his football journey. The nickname holds deep emotional significance for Thompson because his father passed away when he was a freshman in high school.
“After my father died, I had to grow up fast,” Thompson shared about his experience. “It’s no longer just for me. It’s for him. He didn’t get to watch me play much, but I know he’s watching me now.”
Football became central to Thompson’s life early on in his hometown of Lufkin, Texas. When there weren’t enough teams for pee-wee football, his father stepped up to coach. Even at six years old, Thompson displayed natural talent on the field.
“I kind of knew I was good, scoring touchdowns,” Thompson recalls. “I’ve always been competitive, even at a young age.”
Career Path to Auburn
Thompson’s football journey includes:
| Period | Team | Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Lufkin High School | Consensus top-300 recruit |
| 2020-2023 | University of Texas | Honorable mention All-Big 12 (2022, 2023) |
| 2022 | Texas | Career-high 83 tackles |
| 2023 | Texas | 38 tackles, 3 interceptions, 7 pass break-ups |
| 2024-Present | Auburn University | Defensive MVP at A-Day spring game |
Despite his success at Texas, including honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in his final two seasons, Thompson felt something was missing in his development. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, he decided a fresh start was necessary.
“Nothing against Texas. Great school, great program, I love my teammates to death,” Thompson explained. “But I didn’t feel like I was developing. I just needed a new start.”
Finding His Place at Auburn
Co-defensive coordinator Charles Kelly played a pivotal role in bringing Thompson to the Plains. Their connection was immediate and meaningful.
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“What really made me come here? First of all, it was Coach Kelly,” Thompson emphasized. “He’s a great guy, great coach. He’s a people person. I felt like even though he doesn’t know me well yet, he already has a lot of trust in me.”
Thompson arrived at Auburn in January 2024 and wasted no time making an impact. During the spring A-Day game, he earned Defensive MVP honors with three tackles and a crucial third-down sack that likely prevented a touchdown.
Spring Impact by the Numbers:
- 3 tackles in A-Day game
- 1 momentum-changing sack
- Defensive MVP honors
“It kind of reminded me of my freshman year again,” Thompson said about his first spring at Auburn. “But once I got here, going through spring, I remembered I’m a vet at the end of the day.”
Thompson’s football intelligence has allowed him to not only adapt quickly but also help younger teammates develop. His experience at Texas provided him with valuable game knowledge that transfers well to Auburn’s defensive schemes under coordinator DJ Durkin.
Looking Ahead to the 2024-2025 Season
With the 2024 season approaching, Thompson has set ambitious goals for himself and the team. After Auburn finished 6-7 last season, expectations are rising as Hugh Freeze enters his second year as head coach.
“I want to win a national championship,” Thompson stated boldly. “You’ve got to set the bar high. We fell short last year, but I feel like we’ve got the caliber of team to do it.”
On a personal level, Thompson aims to create a lasting legacy at Auburn. He views this transfer as an opportunity to fully showcase his abilities and make a name for himself.
“When I leave here, I want my name to be brought up from this place in a good way,” Thompson explained. “I didn’t get to do that as much as I wanted to at Texas. I’ve got a new start here, and that’s one thing I’m really trying to focus on: showing people who ‘Bug’ really is.”
Thompson also looks forward to experiencing Auburn traditions, mentioning his excitement about seeing the eagle fly around Jordan-Hare Stadium before games.
Building a Legacy in the SEC
One aspect of Jerrin Thompson’s journey that deserves deeper exploration is his transition from the Big 12 to the SEC – widely considered college football’s most competitive conference. This move represents not just a change of scenery but a significant step up in the caliber of competition Thompson will face week in and week out.
The SEC has produced 13 of the last 17 national champions, and Auburn’s schedule regularly features matchups against powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. For Thompson, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to prove himself against the nation’s elite talent.
“The SEC is different,” Thompson could note. “The speed, the physicality – everything is elevated. But that’s exactly why I came here. I wanted to test myself against the best to become the best.”
Thompson’s experience at Texas provides him valuable perspective, having faced SEC teams in non-conference matchups and bowl games. However, the week-to-week grind of an SEC schedule will demand consistent excellence and adaptability.
This conference transition also impacts Thompson’s NFL draft prospects. NFL scouts closely monitor how transfers perform when shifting to higher-level competition. A standout season in the SEC could significantly boost Thompson’s professional outlook compared to remaining in the Big 12.
For Auburn’s coaching staff, Thompson’s arrival brings not just talent but also a fresh perspective from another major program. His insights on defensive schemes and tendencies from his time at Texas could prove valuable when preparing for non-conference opponents.
As Thompson embarks on this new chapter, embracing the SEC challenge will be central to establishing the legacy he hopes to build at Auburn – one that honors his father’s memory while cementing his place among the conference’s elite defensive backs.
Playing With Purpose
Thompson’s journey remains deeply connected to his father’s memory. He was young when his father passed away, but the impact continues to drive him.
“I feel like I only experienced my dad as a kid growing up,” Thompson reflected. “I was barely a teenager. But I know he would be very proud of me. He used to always brag on me. He was real hard on me, but he used to brag all the time. He’s probably bragging right now.”
This emotional foundation gives Thompson’s football career deeper meaning. While at Auburn, he’s not just playing for personal success or team victories—he’s honoring his father’s memory with every interception, touchdown-saving tackle, and defensive play.
Thompson prepares for the 2024 season opener against Alabama A&M on August 31. He brings not only his on-field talents but also his resilient spirit to the Auburn defense. His experience from four years at Texas, combined with his fresh motivation at Auburn, positions him to be a key contributor in the Tigers’ secondary.
For Auburn fans, the arrival of the Texas transfer represents an immediate upgrade to a defense looking to improve. For Thompson, Auburn represents the opportunity to write the defining chapter of his college football story—one that would surely make his father proud.
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