versatile, downhill Pitt linebacker with early-impact upside
Justin Thompson enters the 2026 season as a 6-foot-2, 235-pound sophomore linebacker for Pitt, and his profile screams versatility: Pitt’s coaches have described him as fast, aggressive, and able to blitz, stop the run, and cover in space. His high school résumé at Good Counsel included 45 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in his senior season, plus top-40 Maryland recognition from multiple recruiting services. If you want an athletic, physical LB who fits a pressure-heavy defense and could carve out an immediate role, Thompson is the kind of fit that makes sense.
