Former Nicholls cornerback Chris Thompson was drafted in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon.Thompson, who was the 150th player chosen in the 2004 NFL Draft, becomes the first Nicholls player drafted since the Washington Redskins chose Darryl Pounds in the third round of the 1995 Draft.

Thompson said he is thankful for finally being drafted.

“It’s a blessing from God that I am in the position that I am in,” Thompson said. “I was starting to get anxious when I heard my name called. When the time came, they called me on the phone and told me I was a Jacksonville Jaguar. I’m excited that I came out of school and have a chance to get drafted. It’s a real honor.”

Football draft analyst Mike Detillier, who spent most of the NFL Draft on WWL 870 a.m. giving analysis, said Thompson’s selection in the fifth round should not hamper his spirits.

“That’s a part of the draft game,” Detillier said. “You just got to deal with it. For him to get picked in the fifth round, that is a big accomplishment. That is a really big accomplishment for a guy that was offered only one football scholarship out of high school.”

Thompson’s father, Cornell, said he is elated and thanks God for his son’s getting drafted.

“I’m elated. I am so happy right now. We thank God that he was even drafted. There were some people who were supposed to go high in the draft, and they didn’t even get drafted. It’s a blessing. We expected him to go earlier, but it’s all good now.”

Jo Thompson, Chris’ mom, said she was excited and nervous while waiting to hear her son’s name called during the draft.

“I am very excited,” she said. “We were very nervous. We were waiting. Myself and all the people in the house started cheering and yelling.”

Back in Thibodaux, Thompson’s former teammates and coaches stalked television sets waiting to see him get drafted. Once Thompson was drafted by Jacksonville, mass celebrations erupted over the Nicholls campus.

In a press release from Sports Information, Colonels head football coach Daryl Daye said he is excited for Thompson and his family.

“We are excited for Chris and his family,” Daye said. “It was such an honor to hear his name called on Sunday during the draft on ESPN. ESPN airs to over 13 million viewers and the exposure Nicholls State received today will not only help in recruiting for athletics, but also for the entire University. The fact that Chris is from Louisiana is a great indication of what excellent athletes we have in this state. We all wish him the best in his professional career.”

Colonels junior defensive tackle Sam Rideaux said Thompson’s leadership and his approach to the game provides a good example for him and his teammates.

“It’s good to see somebody from Nicholls State go into the league,” Rideaux said. “I am so happy for him that later on, we will all probably go to Jacksonville to celebrate with him. As a leader, nothing negative ever came out of Chris’ mouth. That’s what I liked about him. He was a good leader, and he showed me how to play hard.”

During his four-year career with the Colonels football team, Thompson earned all-American, all-conference and all-Louisiana honors. In his senior season, he was the first Colonels player selected to participate in the Blue-Gray game on Christmas Day.

Thompson started 32 of 35 games in four years with the Colonels. He recorded 148 tackles (90 solos), 11 interceptions, 25 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and did not allow a touchdown reception by an opponent during his career.

On special teams, Thompson holds the Colonels record for season and career blocked kicks.

Thompson sent thanks and gratitude to the Colonels football coaches for preparing him for the NFL.

“The coaching staff at Nicholls State did a great job of preparing me throughout my collegiate career, and I have to thank them for believing in me and giving me the chance to play for them,” Thompson said. “Now I will have a chance to represent Nicholls State in the NFL.”

Thompson will fly to Jacksonville today to take part in the Jaguars’ rookie camp this weekend and will return next week to start preparing for the 2004 season.