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Thompson could be Pac-12’s next 2-way star

By WTOP Staff

TIM BOOTH
AP Sports Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — Shaq Thompson knows the question is coming. It’s asked any time his role with Washington is discussed.

So before the debate about whether Thompson is about to become the next two-way player in the Pac-12 Conference, he shoots down any notion that splitting between being a linebacker and running back would be a full-time deal.

“It’s not really a big deal to me. I came here to play linebacker so that’s what I’m going to do,” Thompson said. “Until he calls my name and wants me to play offense, I’m a defensive player.”

Thompson could be the best all-around player on the roster Chris Petersen inherited when he took over at Washington. So it made sense that when the Huskies’ depth at running back took a hit because of injuries during spring practice that Thompson was given a shot at occasionally getting carries.

Besides, who would really want to tackle a 6-foot-1, 228-pound load running at full speed?

“I have my day where I hope I get a couple of reps here and there,” Thompson said. “But I’m a full-time linebacker.”

Thompson could be one of the top linebackers in the Pac-12. Some publications have already listed Thompson as a potential all-America candidate. He was an honorable mention all-Pac-12 selection as a sophomore when he had 78 tackles and returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown against Oregon State. He remains one of the top recruits landed by Steve Sarkisian in his time at Washington and has all the measurable skills that give him the ability to play either inside or outside linebacker.

Washington linebackers coach Bob Gregory had known about Thompson long before either arrived in Seattle. Gregory coached Thompson’s brother, Syd’Quan, at California.

“He’s really got great dimensions for a linebacker. … He’s got good range, he can cover ground quickly from Point A to Point B. He’s got good football instincts. He’s a natural football player,” Gregory said.

When word first trickled out about Thompson getting time at running back, the comparison was instantly made to UCLA’s Myles Jack. Last season, Jack bounced between linebacker and running back late in the season, including rushing for 120 yards against Arizona and a week later scoring four touchdowns rushing against Washington.

Gregory doesn’t see a problem with giving Thompson time in the backfield.

“If that makes our team better, then I’m all for it,” he said. “We have a bunch of low-ego coaches around here. We’re not trying to hoard guys. If that makes us better we are all for it and I think it does. He’s a naturally gifted athlete who can play running back.”

Moving players around was a hallmark of Petersen’s teams at Boise State. It wasn’t done often, but defensive ends would occasionally get snaps at tight end, or defensive tackles would line up at fullback in short-yardage situations.

Thompson wasn’t isolated in being moved around during the spring. Wide receiver John Ross also saw time at defensive back during the spring, again in part because of injuries.

“I like doing that. We’ve done that with tight ends and (defensive) ends and moved them around in short-yardage goal line packages,” Petersen said. “I think it’s really fun for those guys and they really lock in and we’ve had success doing that. If somebody can help us in a way, we’ll do that.”

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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