It is usually tough for freshmen to get playing time right away in the trenches, but Arizona State defensive line coach Diron Reynolds saw potential in Jalen Thompson from the start. That led to a serious discussion.
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"A few games into the season, I saw how good he could be, and I asked him, 'Do you want to burn your shirt (redshirt season)?'" Reynolds said. "I told him, 'If I burn your shirt, I'm going to play you.' And he played and started for me as a freshman."
That discussion took place almost four years ago, when both were at Michigan State, Reynolds serving in the same capacity he does now under Kenny Dillingham. When Thompson opted to enter the transfer portal, with one year of eligibility left, Tempe was an obvious choice. Not only had Reynolds made the move to ASU, but so had tight end Khamari Anderson, a former high school teammate of Thompson at Cass Tech in Detroit.
Thompson sought honest intel from his former teammate, who easily vouched for the authenticity of Dillingham and the entire coaching staff. Despite overtures from heavy hitters like Notre Dame and Texas A&M, he chose ASU.
"It helped because I got insight from someone I know and can trust, so it did help for sure," Thompson said.
Anderson didn't claim the credit, though.
"The coaches did all the work," Anderson said, who transferred from Kentucky a year ago. "That's one of my best friends, so we already had the relationship, and they took it from there.
"I told him it was a beautiful place with great culture, and we were building something special. I told him we were rebuilding, not culture-wise, but player-wise, and he could be a big piece of that."
Thompson didn't really need that gentle push because he was already all-in. It just served as a reassurance that he was making the right choice.
"This being my last year, I really was looking at the family-style environment, somewhere I know I can be developed, and the relationship I have with coach Reynolds is one of a kind," he said. "I feel like one of my most productive years was my freshman year. It feels great to be back around him. He's a great coach. He treats us like NFL guys."
The Sun Devils' defensive line is the area that has undergone the most transformation. End Clayton Smith and tackle C.J. Fite returned, but Dillingham and Reynolds lost everybody else from their two-deep. Reinforcements were sought after in the portal.
Thompson and Baylor transfer Emar'rion Winston are the most experienced newcomers and should have prominent roles
In three years, Thompson played in 31 games for the Spartans, starting 26 of those. He collected 66 tackles, including 13 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and four breakups. He played more than 1,000 snaps.
"He's a veteran," Dillingham said. "Some guys have that experience, and it looks like they have the experience when they play. It's not the first time you've seen a screen; it's not the first time you've seen that play action. They just know how to play football. JT definitely plays like he knows how to play football and has played a lot of snaps."
Not only has Thompson fit in on the field, but he is also just what Dillingham looks for off the field. One of the coach's often-used mantras is, "Be a good person."
In two of his three years in Lansing, Thompson was named the school's winner of the Big Ten’s Jackie Robinson Community and Impact Award. He organized his second youth camp in his hometown of Detroit in July 2025. He has also sponsored a "Cleats 4 Kids" camp in Lansing.
Thompson said giving back was passed down to him by his parents and grandmother. He hopes to put together an event in Arizona once spring ball has wrapped up and plans to conduct one back in his hometown as well.
"I feel like it's only right for me, being in the position I am in, being able to give back," he said.
Thompson is about to finish up his degree in advertising from Michigan State, and he'll pursue a master's in organizational leadership at ASU. He's also interested in real estate.
The first game in maroon and gold is still several months off, but so far it's been an enjoyable ride.
"From the scenery to the teammates to the coaching staff, everything here has been great. I couldn't have asked for a better place," he said.
As for the heat, which is unlike any other climate in which he has played, Thompson is taking that in stride.
"If you make your mindset, it's not as hot, then over time it won't be as hot," he said.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State newcomer Jalen Thompson at home with familiar faces