Stephen F. Austin edge BJ Thompson reflects on path from England, Arkansas to NFL Draft

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — You'll see many names from big schools go off the board in this weekend's NFL draft. One with a story unlike most is BJ Thompson, edge rusher from Stephen F. Austin and native of England, Arkansas.

"I take pride coming from a small school, I've been doing it my whole life," Thompson said on the eve before the draft kicks off in Kansas City. "Coming from England, Arkansas, a small little 2A country school in the middle of Arkansas, making it initially to a Power Five college, and now coming out of Stephen F. Austin to the NFL."

"That's kind of my message," the expected draft selection continued. "To show people no matter where you come from, you can make it out of your situation as long as you work hard."

A 3-star 2017 prospect playing both ways for England High while winning a basketball state title, Thompson signed with Baylor. After two years showing flashes with the Bears, Thompson left the team to ultimately transfer to Stephen F. Austin.

The disruptive pass rusher took Nacogdoches and the FCS by storm, awarded 2020 Southland Conference newcomer of the year and twice being named first-team all-Western Athletic Conference. Over three seasons as a Lumberjack, Thompson totaled 20.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss, repping his home state in the process.

"Everywhere I go I want people to know I'm from...