COVINGTON, Ga. — For almost six months to the day, Newton's Sean Thompkins had been committed to the Baylor Bears football team. On Wednesday morning at Newton High, Thompkins signed his national letter of intent to play college football at Baylor.
While most athletes label their signing days as a dream, Thompkins had a different spin.
“This is more of a reality check of what God has for me,” Thompkins said. “And I’m very blessed.”
Thompkins even shared in his remarks that he almost didn’t play football his freshman season at Newton. But now that his signing is complete, Thompkins is happy that he did.
“This journey has definitely not been easy,” Thompkins said. “There are some hard things I’ve been through in my life, but you just have to keep pushing and grind it out.”
In recent years, the Rams have had a few running backs and quarterbacks that experienced great success. Thompkins earned his starting role his junior season and has been a mainstay, anchoring the offensive line ever since.
And, just like he fit into the Rams’ style of play, Thompkins feels ready to gel with Baylor.
“I’m very athletic and can move well,” Thompkins said. “And that’s what they needed.”
Thompkins has been committed to Baylor since June 26 when he announced it on his Twitter. Even though he’s not 100% certain, Thompkins is leaning toward majoring in business.
There were a lot of factors into Thompkins’ final decision when he chose Baylor over programs such as Auburn, Florida, Kentucky and Arkansas State.
Though he had other offers, Thompkins — who is a product of Cousins Middle School — stressed he never wavered in wanting to become a Baylor Bear.
“The process was long and a lot of coaches have been trying to get in touch with me,” Thompkins said. “But I stayed true to Baylor.”
247Sports rates Thompkins as a 3-star offensive lineman. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound recruit was recognized for his performances throughout his Rams career. In fact, Thompkins was voted onto Region 4-AAAAAAA’s First All-Region team.
When asked what he’ll miss the most about Newton football, no stats or accolades came to mind. Instead, Thompkins is appreciative of what Newton football has instilled in him.
“The coaches here coach hard,” Thompkins said. “They coach out of their love for us as players. And I’ll definitely miss my teammates around me. Those are my guys who I have lifelong friendships with.”
