Cody Thompson ready to work for spot in NFL

HURON — Cody Thompson isn't sure whether he'll watch the final rounds of the NFL draft unfold today. He's not sure if he'll hear his name called in the made-for-TV event.He can't control that. The former University of Toledo star can control how he responds to the challenges he'll soon face in a tight job market."Whether it's late (rounds) or after the draft, it doesn't matter," Thompson said this week about his draft prospects. "I still have to work for that spot. Just like Toledo gave me the opportunity — the only team in the country to do that — whatever team decides to give me an opportunity, I'm going to make sure they're rewarded."Thompson is back in his hometown of Huron, where he's been going to lunch this week with his mom, Lois."I've been working out, golfing a little bit and trying to stay in shape," he said. "I'm not doing anything crazy for the draft, just being with my family, kind of low key. I'll relax and enjoy the time and get ready for this next transition in my life."That transition officially began in late December when Thompson signed with the Baltimore-based Player First Sports Agency.The agency has been helping Thompson build his brand. He recently spent time in New York and was a guest of the Good Morning Football program on the NFL Network and also swapped football stories as a guest on a Sirius XM radio show.Before taking a train to New York, Thompson was in Baltimore, where he signed to represent UnderArmour."It was awesome choosing between the brands," he said. "I've worn UnderArmour at Toledo; I love wearing their product. It was a great move on my part, I think."Toledo was an UnderArmour school until Thompson's senior season, when it switched to Nike. That meant he had to get rid of a lot of gear."I've pretty much given it all away," he said, adding that some of his Nike cleats ended up at Huron High School.Thompson said he has enjoyed the on- and off-field parts of draft preparation."In addition to what you do on the field, you have to create your personal brand off the field," he said. "You're not just known as a football player. Off the field I like to be active in the community. I'm passionate about different things. You just got to show yourself."Thompson attended pro days for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions this month and said he's talked to all 32 NFL teams. At the NFL combine, he interviewed with about 20 clubs.He was timed in 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, but his shuttle times were tied for first among all wide receivers at the combine and he finished fourth in the cone drill. Those drills showcased Thompson's ability to change directions quickly, a big plus for wide receivers."I was happy but I wanted to do better," he said of his showing at the combine. "My expectations for myself usually are higher than other people have for me. They were good times, but they weren't my best."The grueling days in Indy began in the morning and lasted till almost midnight. The combine involves much more than 40 times and bench presses; it's also an exercise in mental toughness."I loved the opportunity to get out in front of coaches and GMs and owners, just showcase my talents," Thompson said. "I've met a lot of amazing people through this process. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I'll always cherish."Thompson, who played quarterback at Huron, finished his career at Toledo with 181 receptions for 3,312 yards and a school-record 30 touchdown catches.He doesn't care who drafts him — rounds 4-7 are today — or if he has to sign as an undrafted free agent. The team that signs him, Thompson says, will get a hard worker."It's going to get a guy who doesn't expect anything to be handed to him," Thompson said. "Someone who's had to work for everything they've had. Someone who's versatile on offense, playing inside or outside, and someone who can make a lot of plays and make an impact on special teams."A lot of people think they're going to come in and play just offense and not cover kicks and make tackles. I'm willing to do that and I enjoy it. Whatever I can do to help the team have success, that's the main goal — to help a team win championships and help a team get to the Super Bowl."Cody Thompson caught 181 passes for 3,312 yards and 30 touchdowns at Toledo. Toledo wide receiver Cody Thompson looks for running room in the Rockets' season opener against Elon in 2017. Cody Thompson, shown during media day at Toledo in August 2018, enjoyed interviewing with NFL teams and the media leading up to the NFL draft.