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Matagi Thompson Hawaii Bowl

Football Camryn Chu

Q&A: Matagi Thompson, Football

Safety Matagi Thompson is taking on a larger role in the Hawai'i secondary as he enters his fifth year with the team. The second-generation Rainbow Warrior will be a key leader in Dennis Thurman's secondary with his experience, aggressiveness and physicality.  From growing up performing fireknife in his family's entertainment business, to playing football at the collegiate level, each experience has helped shape him into the player and person he is today.  

This season you will be taking on a larger role.  What feels different about your role now compared to previous years and how are you helping or motivating the younger players who are looking up to you?
I have to be more aware that the younger boys are looking up to me now to step up and be a leader.  My biggest thing is to lead by example.  I wouldn't say I am a loud guy.  I would say Elijah Palmer (EP), he is a very vocal leader.  I'd say I lead by example, but he also leads by example.  But me, I'm not as vocal or as loud as him, so I try to lead through my actions and hopefully the younger boys and the rest of my teammates will be inspired by what I do.

You are great at playing downhill and you aren't afraid to make a big hit, but is there any specific part of your game that you are focusing on improving this season?
This season I'm focusing on communication on the field, making sure the secondary as a whole are all on the same page.  I'd say we have a pretty new secondary, so we have to make sure we are all on the same page when we get on the field.  

What do you think is the strongest part of the secondary this season?
I think the strongest part is that we fly around the field full speed and we always play out there with confidence.  

In 2020 you were not able to have a senior season in high school because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  What was that experience like for you, and what were the challenges that you faced not being able to play competitive football especially during the recruiting process?
I definitely wanted to have a senior year to compete for a state championship.  I think that's every high school kid's dream.  I think we had a good shot with my team.  Not playing senior year was a bummer.  I went to a couple camps.  I wouldn't say I got that much exposure in terms of recruitment.  But I am thankful for UH for giving me a shot.  

Your father Afatia Thompson was a running back for UH. How does it feel being able to represent your family and home when you step on the field?
I definitely take a lot of pride in it my dad being an alumni of this school, and especially his year he won the WAC championship (1999).  It means a lot that I can carry on our family name at this school.  And hopefully we can get a conference championship of our own.

Being able to represent your family, does this give you extra motivation?
Yes, for sure.  Knowing that my dad, he went through the same struggles, the same challenges that we face today.  It helps to know that he has been there before and that I can do the same.  

Do you have any key memories from your childhood that helped shape who you are today?
Just growing up in a faith-based household for my whole life.  Knowing what the important thing is, and that's knowing that Jesus Christ is my Savior.  Showing people, respecting them, and treating others the way I want to be treated.

Growing up performing fireknife, is there anything that performing taught you that has helped you become a better football player?
I've been performing since I'd say five years old.  You have to perform when the lights come on, and the way you can do that is through your preparation.  Because for me especially, it's hard to just turn it on like that. 

Have you set any personal goals for yourself after this season is over? 
A childhood dream of mine is to play in the NFL.  I'm taking it one game at a time, one rep at a time, and see where I end up at the end of the season. 


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Players Mentioned

Elijah Palmer

#4 Elijah Palmer

DB
5' 8"
Junior
Matagi Thompson

#25 Matagi Thompson

DB
6' 2"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Elijah Palmer

#4 Elijah Palmer

5' 8"
Junior
DB
Matagi Thompson

#25 Matagi Thompson

6' 2"
Junior
DB