Former MLB outfielder Bubba Thompson is trying his hand at college football. South Alabama Jaguars head coach Major Applewhite confirmed that Thompson will join his team for spring practices to AL.com.
In 2024, the former Cincinnati Reds outfielder had 18 at-bats and recorded two hits. Before this, he spent 2022 and 2023 with the Texas Rangers and played 92 games during those two seasons. He was a 2017 first-round draft pick.
Thompson never attended college. However, he was a high school sports standout at McGill-Toolen Catholic School in Mobile, Ala. This is where his football experience comes from.
The former all-state quarterback was a three-star recruit recruited by schools like Ole Miss and Tennessee. During his senior season in 2016, he threw for 3,173 yards and 38 touchdowns, leading McGill-Toolen Catholic to the state championship game.
Thompson posted videos of him throwing in South Alabama’s facility this week on his Facebook page.
The Jaguars are coming off a 7-6 football season, including a postseason win in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.
South Alabama had multiple young quarterbacks on their roster in 2024. The former 26-year-old major leaguer will join the depth chart in the spring as a walk-on.
