UConn Offers In-State WR Russell Thompson-Bishop
Whenever a new coach takes over at UConn, there will be a microscope on the way he and his staff recruit the state of Connecticut. Though it is not known for producing a bevy of talent, the Constitution State has produced a number of gems across the years and Rivals national analysts have been noting how it seems to be on the way up.
Bob Diaco only brought in one Connecticut player in the class of 2015, but in 2016 he brought in four very highly-regarded in-state players.
Bloomfield High's Russell Thompson-Bishop is a talented Connecticut prospect in the class of 2017, and by the looks of it has the size and skills to be a real threat at the next level. UConn first got in touch with the wide receiver around the time his Warhawks won the 2015 Class S state title over Ansonia.
Thompson-Bishop played quarterback for his team the year before when the starter went down due to injury. The experience gave him a new perspective when he went back to receiver in his junior year.
"Playing quarterback allowed me to completely understand the timing and repetition it requires to run a great offense," he told UConn Report. "It helped me understand to run every route hard and always expect the ball."
Thompson-Bishop attended the East Carolina game last season, and also made the trip to Storrs in April for Junior Day, where he met with wide receivers coach Erik Campbell and co-offensive coordinator coach Mike Cummings.
"The entire coaching staff left a great impression on me," he said. "I liked the nutrition base system and the way they take care of the athletes and really care about each other as a family. Practice flowed well, I was highly impressed."
The 6-foot-3 prospect held offers from Army, Navy, Coastal Carolina, Princeton and Albany before getting the official word from UConn earlier this week. As a Connecticut athlete, Thompson-Bishop is passionate about the idea of representing his home state.
"Man that means the whole world to me," he shared. "The way I look at it is that us CT players get not as much respect. We are sleepers out here, and players like me, Tarik Black, CJ Holmes, and so many others are all looking to change that and the way the country views and respects us."
Though he's not originally from Connecticut, he was born in Jamaica and previously lived in Miami, Thompson-Bishop feels strongly about his home state.
"I've adopted it as my home," he said. "Ever since I came here everyone has warmly welcomed me and I would love to give it back"
He already knows some of UConn's 2016 signees, naming Tahj Herring, Keyion Dixon and Tyler Coyle among the players he is familiar with, and also remembers watching Arkeel Newsome in his high school days.
"He killed us my freshman year in the state championship."
Newsome has since helped UConn turn around its program by being one of the most dynamic offensive playmakers to wear a Husky uniform. Thompson-Bishop offered his thoughts on how far UConn has come under head coach Bob Diaco.
"I've been blown away to see them go from a 2-win team to completely flipping the script and almost winning a bowl game," he said. "That's impressive, and the program is still improving to this day."
From his reel it seems Thompson-Bishop can do a lot of different things. He can go deep, catch screens or quick-passes and make a few defenders miss, and also be trusted to run intermediate routes well and make catches in traffic.
Though he hasn't set a timetable to make his decision, he is clear on what he is looking for in a school.
"A great coaching staff, family oriented team, a good opportunity to maybe play another level higher (NFL), and getting a great education."
UConn seems to have a number of those boxes checked. Hopefully the Huskies are in good standing with this talented in-state product who also plays basketball and runs track.