2022 Nebraska City tight end/receiver Braden Thompson enjoyed a strong junior campaign last fall as he caught 47 passes for 891 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Class C-1 Pioneers.

Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 215-pounder, is anxious to compete in this June’s camp scene. He’ll be at the Lindenwood Camp on June 4, Northwestern on June 8, Nebraska on June 11, South Dakota State on June 14 and North Dakota State on June 18-20.

“I’m just glad I have the opportunity to have them see what I can do,” Thompson said of performing in front of college coaches. “Hopefully I make it worth their while.”

In preparation for June’s camp circuit and the upcoming fall season, Thompson said he’s been working out with his high school teammates often, running routes and working on his hands.

“Every week, every day me and some buddies have been going to the field to get more work in to get better,” he said. “We just want to improve on our craft.”

One aspect of Thompson’s game that he believes is better than it was in 2020 is his footwork on routes.

“I feel like my route running has gotten a lot more crisp,” Thompson said. “Off breaks and getting out of my breaks, accelerating and deceleration.”

Thompson also starred on defense at middle linebacker for Nebraska City, recording a team-high 85 tackles.