Breaking the century mark (1,000 yards) in 10 games as a high school running back is an accomplished feat. So what do you do when you're splitting backfield time at Odessa Permian with the likes of Bradley McDaniel and quarterback Shea Smith, who threw for 1,300 yards in the same 10 game span? In 2003, Chad Thompson dealt with those elements and still rushed for over 1,100 yards. It would earn him running back honors as First Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-State selection.

In his first year in the PAFL, Thompson (along with Joseph Clater) will enter the 2013 season as the ball-carrier of the West Texas Drillers. They will play the Permian Basin Skyforce on Sunday, February 24 at Odessa's Ratliff Stadium.

Upon graduating from Permian, Thompson headed to the West Coast, where he continued his football career playing for Los Angeles Southwest College. After just one game as a Cougar was switched from an offensive running back to a defensive cornerback, a position he would inherit the rest of that season.

Thompson made his way back to the Texas Permian Basin and picked up right where he had left off from high school - running the ball. Minor league / semi-pro football would be his next step. In his rookie season, he was recognized as MPFL 'Offensive Player of the Week' in just the fifth week of the 2010 season. Thompson would go on to finish his inaugural year leading the league in all rushing categories. In addition to being named to the MPFL North All-Star Team, he was a finalist candidate for 'Offensive Rookie of the Year' and 'Offensive Player of the Year'. He would add MPFL 'Most Valuble Player' Runner-Up to his creditials, while rushing for over 1,600 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns... all in his first year in the league.

Thompson's stellar rushing abilities would flourish again the following season with the Drillers. Accounting for 2,053 rushing yards and 37 TDs, his efforts would actually land him the 2011 MPFL 'Offensive Player of the Year' award and a spot on the West All-Star Team. Thompson would be selected as 'First Team All-American RB' by the National Minor League Football All-American Board.

Thompson credits a portion of his success to former Permian head coach Scott Smith. "He (Smith) instilled teamwork and to not be selfish during my high school days. I still play by that." Success and Thompson seem to go hand-in-hand on the playing field. As far back as Pop Warner youth football, Thompson was an active member on two championship teams.

With the Drillers beginning their division on Sunday, Thompson says his short-term goal is to see his team win the 2013 PAFL Championship. Among some of his longer range goals, Thompson sees the United Football League or Canadian Football League as a step to the next level in his already impressive career.

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