Chris Thompson Jr. embracing leadership role as Tulsa defense looks to bounce back

Tulsa wrapped up its second fall camp practice Thursday morning, with full pads coming on Friday — a key step for a Golden Hurricane defense aiming to reset after a difficult 2024 season. TU ranked third-worst nationally in total defense last year, allowing over 495 yards per game.

Graduate transfer safety Chris Thompson Jr., a former four-star recruit, is stepping into a vocal leadership role as the defense looks to set the tone early in camp.

“It’s not hard for me to take on the leadership role,” Thompson said. “It’s a lot of young guys that look up to me. I want them to lean on me and depend on me.”

With his back against the wall, Thompson says he’s ready to help guide this unit forward — one challenge at a time.