By BAKER ELLIS / Sports Editor

ALABASTER – Kingwood Christian School is the third high school stop in the career of journeyman Kerry Thompson. From Hoover to Helena and finally to Kingwood as a senior, the 6-foot-4-inch defensive end has dealt with adjustment and changes of scenery throughout high school. In his senior campaign, his first at Kingwood and in the AISA, he accumulated 60 tackles, 11 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and a pair of interceptions as well as catching five touchdown passes as a wide receiver in a run-heavy offense. On Nov. 12 Thompson received a letter saying he had been selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Tampa Bay, Fla., on Jan. 9, 2016.

“It was just so much excitement,” Thompson said. “I ran through the house and almost fell down the steps. I was just so excited.”

Neither Thompson, his coach nor his parents are quite sure how the nomination process works. He was nominated for consideration midseason, according to his mother, Dee. There is a committee that views tape and make the final decision on roster spots, and Thompson has been included on the South team.

Dee expressed her pride in how her son has handled the transition from school to school and the work ethic and maturity he has shown through the process.

“I think it just really makes us look at how much he has grown, as far as being a leader and being focused,” she said. “That’s a lot going on to transfer schools like that, I saw a lot of maturity in him and it transferred to his game.”

Thompson blossomed at Kingwood, and the opportunity to compete against some of the nation’s best prep athletes brings with it another element of satisfaction as well.

“When I was at Hoover they said I wouldn’t be able to play in any All-Star games,” Thompson said. “So, playing in this I get to prove everybody that said I couldn’t do it wrong.”

Thompson has visited Arkansas State and South Alabama, and has seen interest from schools such as Birmingham Southern, West Alabama, West Florida and Jacksonville State. Auburn and Kentucky have also shown interest.

The Thompsons have also set up a Gofundme account to help get their son to Tampa. You can access that Gofundme page at www.gofundme.com/n3a3e933.