UW linebacker Shaq Thompson will skip senior year and declare for NFL draft

SEATTLE – Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson is forgoing his senior season and will declare for the NFL draft.

The school announced Thompson’s decision Monday, another blow to Washington’s defense that will now lose three Associated Press first-team All-America selections: Thompson, linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha and defensive tackle Danny Shelton. Thompson was honored as an all-purpose player after spending part of the season as Washington’s starting running back.

“I feel that I have accomplished a lot here in these past three years, and I’m so thankful to everyone for helping me achieve my goals,” Thompson said in a statement. “Now I’m looking forward to achieving a new set of goals, facing new challenges that come with being in the NFL.”

Thompson finished his junior season with 81 tackles and scored four defensive touchdowns, including three on fumble returns. He added 456 yards rushing and two touchdowns on offense.

Thompson’s decision was not a surprise. He’s been projected as a high first-round pick because of his athleticism and versatility. The lingering question for Thompson is what his best position will be in the NFL.

Thompson started his college career as a safety before moving to linebacker.

And despite his success as a running back, Thompson has said he would like to remain a defensive player.

“Shaq Thompson has been a wonderful representative of the University of Washington and the Husky football team, and he has our full support as he takes this important step,” Washington coach Chris Petersen said. “I look forward to what’s to come for him and to watching him embark on what will be a long, successful NFL career.”

Washington also announced that backup quarterback Troy Williams will transfer. Williams lost a competition for the starting job in fall camp, but appeared in five games and made one start for the Huskies this season, against Arizona State. Williams struggled in miserable weather conditions in his lone start.

Williams’ transfer comes on the day the Huskies welcomed star prep quarterback Jake Browning from California. Browning graduated high school early and enrolled at Washington in time for winter quarter.

Browning threw for 5,790 yards and a record 91 touchdowns at Folsom High this past season and 229 for his prep career.