Michael Thompson is the prized recruit from the state of Missouri for the Class of 2018 and, as you may expect, the in-state Tigers are pursuing him quite heavily. In fact, 247Sports' Crystal Ball predictions place Missouri with a solid lead for the No. 2 defensive tackle and No. 43 overall prospect in the country. However, that apparent lean isn't dissuading some of the top programs in the country from courting the talented defensive tackle.
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Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports brings word that Nebraska, Michigan, LSU and Ohio State are among the programs interested in Thompson and he reciprocates that interest in wanting to explore the possibilities further. The 6'3, 291-pound defensive tackle from Parkway North in St. Louis spoke glowingly of Missouri, saying that he has "a great relationship" with the staff but it is hard to ignore the prominence of the other programs that are now pursuing him hard.
The nature of staying close to home can be appealing for a prospect but, in this case, Missouri isn't currently in the same league with the other programs that are in the mix. With that as the backdrop, the recruiting process for four-star prospect Michael Thompson will be extremely interesting to monitor in the coming days and weeks.
