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Alabama 4-Star Recruit Goes End Zone To End Zone On Punt (Video)

By Phil Watson

Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban smiles as he addresses the media following their 42-13 win over the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban smiles as he addresses the media following their 42-13 win over the Missouri Tigers in the 2014 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama looks like it got itself a good one in safety Deionte Thompson of Orange, Texas, who had an amazing punt return in a Texas playoff game.

In 48 states, it’s a touchback, but Texas isn’t one of those 48.

Deionte Thompson, a four-star prospect committed to Alabama, scored a 101-yard punt return last Friday to help West Orange (Texas) Stark to a 42-21 win over previously unbeaten Sinton and into the Texas 4A championship game Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

It was an amazing run:

Thompson also plays wide receiver in high school, but is listed as a safety by ESPN’s recruiting database. Thompson is ranked 69th on the ESPN300, but 35th on 24/7 Sports’ list for the Class of 2015.

He committed in February 2013 and is ranked fourth by 24/7 Sports among Alabama’s 23-member recruiting class for 2015—ranked No. 1 in the nation.

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Alabama has 17 commits from players listed on the ESPN300 and seven from 24/7 Sports’ top 100.

In any case, Alabama is pretty good at this whole recruiting thing.

As for the rules—the National Federation of State High School Associations rule book declares that any kick that goes into the end zone is automatically ruled a touchback.

Since Thompson’s feet were in the end zone, that would have been the end of the play in most states.

However, two states—Texas and Massachusetts—follow the NCAA rulebook, which allows a returning team player to attempt to advance the ball out of his own end zone on a punt at his own risk.

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