Chris Thompson is a former Colonels cornerback (2000-2003) who plays for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. During his four-year career at Nicholls State, Thompson started 32 of 35 games. He recorded 148 tackles (90 solos) with 11 interceptions, 28 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and did not allow a touchdown reception by an opponent during his career. Q: How has life been in the NFL?

A: First of all, it’s a blessing from God for me to be where I am right now. I am enjoying every minute of it. I am glad training camp is over with. It is a whole lot different from the college time schedule and the amount of work that you put into it everyday. It was just an adjustment I had to make, but it wasn’t a problem for me making a transformation from college to the pros. So I’ve been enjoying every minute of it.

Q: How are the Jaguars planning on using you in their line-up?

A: Right now, I am nickel-back and cornerback. I am playing both roles, so when my time comes for me to play in a game, whether it be due to injury or just because they let me get into the game, I have to be ready for my challenge. In the pre-season, I got a lot of playing time, but that was pretty much the ideal getting the younger guys some playing time and some experience, but basically in the real season mostly the starters play the whole game. By me getting into the game, probably through injury or just because I am ready to play, when it comes, I expect the best of it.

Q: Were you worried about making the final roster?

A: Everybody was. I’ve seen some really neat guys get released, and I was like, ‘they are cutting guys like that.’ I mean, you never can tell what may happen to me, but I was counting on my faith. I prayed on it a lot. I gave the best I could do, so that’s all I can ask. Put up my best, and whatever happens, happens. I know it happens for a reason.

Q: How about your relationship with the head coach Jack Del Rio and some of the assistant coaches?

A: The coaches that are over here are laid back. They are really approachable guys. You can talk to them about anything. I am pretty much used to that coming out of Nicholls State. I have no problem with any of my coaches. I have a relationship with all of them, and as a matter of fact, my defensive back coach (Alvin Reynolds) is from New Orleans, so we have a pretty tight relationship as well.

Q: Have you made the adaptation to living in Jacksonville after spending most of your life around Thibodaux and New Orleans? What’s the biggest adaptation you had to make being far away from home?

A: It’s a big city to me. It took a while to find my way around, but I’ve settled in and I got my own place now. Right now, I am still absorbing everything Jacksonville has to offer. Basically it’s not so much of a big party town, but it’s not a country town either. It’s a mixture of both, and I am loving this city right now. It’s not a very fast place.

Q: I know you’ve heard about the academic fraud situation with the football team at Nicholls. What are some of your thoughts, and if you could, what is some of the advice you would give to some of your former teammates on how to handle the situation?

A: First, I was sorry to hear about the whole situation happening and about coach Daye losing his job, because I have great respect for the guy. He taught me a lot. I know they are losing a good coach over there, but you know things happen. Some of the players might have felt bad too, but you know, they gotta do what they gotta do now. It’s on their shoulders now about how they want things to work out. They just have to stay focused and do their jobs at hand.

Q: What’s your contract status with the Jaguars?

A: I signed a three-year deal. It’ll be like $1.2 million on a three-year deal. That’s not guaranteed, so I could be released any week in the NFL. But if I do stay the whole three years, that’s what my total contract would total out to be.

Q: How much do you miss Nicholls?

A: I enjoyed every minute of it. I do miss it sometimes, but you know, I am on a different level now and a different stage in my life. Things change and people get older, but I enjoyed every minute of Nicholls State.