In many ways, Myles Thompson represents all that’s good about the Oak Park and River Forest High School football team this season.
He’s a very dedicated and athletic player who has seen limited playing time due to the Huskies’ depth at wide receiver. For perspective, he’s competing with fellow wideouts Cole Fields, Breshawn Wilkerson, Davion Talbert, Jared Scott, Airmando Flores, Eddie Gorens and John Clancy. Oh by the way, running backs Antonio Cannon, Jamarri Watson and Marcus Enriquez can all catch the rock, too.
In short, the procession at wide receiver is about as long and busy as Carnegie Deli at lunch (that’s a reference for Thompson who moved to Oak Park from the New York area).
Nevertheless, despite scarce opportunities on the gridiron, Thompson has completely bought into the team concept this season. During games or practice, Thompson’s focus is solely on helping the Huskies in any way possible.
Make no mistake, though, the kid can play. He’s a vertical threat down the field and has three catches for 93 yards and a touchdown this season. At 6-3, 175 pounds, he has speed, length and athleticism. Like many OPRF reserves, he would likely see more playing time in other varsity programs.
All season long, head coach John Hoerster has raved about the Huskies’ improved depth this fall. Thompson is a good example of the team’s embarrassment of riches regarding the depth chart.
The Huddle recently caught up with Thompson for a Q and A after practice. Here’s a closer look at a player who personifies Huskie Pride.
How long have you been a part of OPRF football and what is your role on the varsity? I moved here in seventh grade so I played Little Huskies football. Throughout my freshman and sophomore years at OPRF I played quarterback. I switched to wide receiver at the varsity level.
Do you enjoy playing multiple positions? I really do. It’s a lot of work and at times tedious but I love it.
How much have you enjoyed being an OPRF football player? I love it. I love watching the games and I love getting work in during practice. My teammates are my brothers. Since we came in as freshmen, we have all bonded really well together. During school we like to joke around and have fun but we’re also always helping each other.
Talk about the relationship you have on the field with starting quarterback Keegan Smith? Keegan and I have been working out together since our freshman and sophomore years. As soon as there is decent weather in the spring, we are out on the field throwing the ball around to each other. We have a good connection.
What’s the adrenaline rush you feel before a game? Coach Hoerster talks to us about laser focus and just looking straight ahead. We don’t look up into the crowd and acknowledge our friends and family, as tempting as it is. It’s really an experience entering the stadium. It’s a wonderful feeling because even if we don’t look up at the stands, we know all of our family, friends and classmates are cheering for us. We can feel their presence and we’re thankful for their support.
What are other activities are you involved in at OPRF? I’m involved in the Oak Park and River Forest Business Club. I also play lacrosse with (football teammate) Cole Fields. Before I moved to Oak Park, I lived on the East Coast where lacrosse is very popular.
Where did you live on the East Coast? Westchester, New York. It’s like 45 minutes outside of New York City. I like it here more though. It’s more diverse and there’s a lot more to do.
Can you compare and contrast New York and Chicago overall? I think they are very similar. I think the people are a bit different though. I feel like people here are a lot friendlier and more welcoming.
Away from the football field, what do you like to do for fun? Hang out with my friends, play X Box, maybe go to Buffalo Wild Wings with my friends and teammates and watch some college football. I also enjoy spending a lot of time with my family.
Who are some guys on the OPRF football team who keep everybody loose? I’d have to say James Cousin and Airmando Flores. Airmando and Kam (Kameron Stewart) are always dancing and rapping. It’s pretty fun.
What are three words that best describe you? Creative, intelligent and outgoing
Are there any particular teachers or classes you enjoy at OPRF? I love coach Hoerster. He’s a mentor and role model for me. I think he looks out for the players’ best interests and really cares about us. I’m in a class called Leadership with him where we mentor freshmen who are coming into the school. We help them transition to the high school atmosphere. I also like AP Psychology.
How do you feel about the OPRF football coaches overall? I have relationships with all of them. They are all very nice and welcoming. It’s a great group of coaches. They all try to help us get better in whatever we need help with.
What are you favorite TV shows or movies? That’s a tough question. I like “The Blacklist” with James Spader. As far as movies, I just saw “Straight Outta Compton.” Those guys were a little before my time so I had to do my research.
What actor would you choose to portray you in the Myles Thompson story? Denzel Washington. He’s older but I like him.
What’s your favorite food? Orange chicken
What are some must-haves in your refrigerator? Chocolate milk, Gatorade and steak.
Favorite Book? “Brainstorm.” It was about how the brain works and how the teenage brain tends to daydream
What’s the greatest invention ever? Electricity
What’s your favorite vacation spot? I went to South Africa which was fun. I saw Johannesburg and Cape Town. I went on a safari, went to a lot of museums and learned about Apartheid.
If you could have dinner with a famous person- alive or dead- who would it be and what would you want to talk about? Elon Musk. I was watched some documentaries about him. Ever since he was young, he has been coming up with inventions.
What are your plans after high school? I’m hoping to study Business and possibly major in Economics. I’m considering schools like Denison University, Wake Forest, Elon and College of Wooster.
Who are role models in your life? It’s kind of clichéd but definitely my father and my mother. They have always been there for me and tried to help me.
What’s a good piece of advice you have been given? My grandpa told me to be careful.
Who is your favorite pro athlete? I like Kobe Bryant. I admire his work ethic. He’s always in the gym or working out, basically doing anything he can do to get better.
When the season is finally over, what will you remember about this team? Just the relationships we all have shared as teammates. We lifted weights together during the offseason and all through the summer till now. We have a great group of guys.