IMG Academy fell behind in the first minute, but scored the next 41 points to win the Kickoff Classic in Orlando.
ORLANDO — Le'Khy Thompkins has only been at IMG Academy for a few weeks, but the big running back certainly seems to be fitting in.
The 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior scored three touchdowns as the visiting Ascenders routed The First Academy 41-7 in a Kickoff Classic on Aug. 14.
"I fumbled the first time, I had to come back," Thompkins said. "I had a point to prove."
IMG fell behind 7-0 less after Jaelyn Powell opened the scoring with a 57-yard run, but it was all Ascenders after that. And Thompkins, a Louisville, did a lot of the damage.
He had the bulk of the carries through the first three quarters for IMG. Thompkins scored twice in the first half and finished the night with his final score in the third quarter.
Because of his size, some colleges envision Thompkins possibly playing linebacker or even defensive line, but he has his sights set on staying at running back.
"Playing running back is my dream," Thompkins said. "Derrick Henry is my favorite player. I think if he can play running back, I can play running back as well.
"Both of those schools — Louisville and Miami — are giving me the opportunity to play running back."
Thompkins has been committed to Louisville since June 20 and Miami just offered in late July, but the Hurricanes have made a quick impact.
"I've always wanted to go to Miami. Louisville came first, which is why I'm still committed to them, but Miami is still strong. They're still recruiting me."
Thompkins said he's hoping to go to a Miami game early in the season, possibly the season opener against Notre Dame on Aug. 31.
IMG EDGE Jacke Kreul impresses in first half
Jake Kreul, the No. 3 player on the USA Today Florida Network top 100 who committed to Oklahoma on Aug, 12, had a big first half.
The IMG edge rusher had six tackles, three sacks and a tackle for loss in the first two quarters. The sacks came on three consecutive plays, including the final one on fourth down. Not bad for a player who said he was battling an illness last week.
Now that he's committed to the Sooners, Kreul said his focus is solely on his senior year and helping IMG.
"I'm focused on IMG right now," he said. "Doing whatever i can to help my team win, in whatever role they need me in, trying to be (in) a leadership role. That's my No. 1 focus. I'm focused on that, I'm focused on developing as a player just to get ready for Oklahoma. I feel like that's the major thing for me."
IMG WR Eric McFarland, QB Jayden Wade combine for 3 TDs
It didn't take long for IMG sophomores Jayden Wade and Eric McFarland to connect. On the Ascenders first play from scrimmage, McFarland took a short pitch 80 yards for a score. The two connected twice more in the second half.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Wade is the top overall 2028 player in the nation according to 247Sports, while McFarland is No. 7 and the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation.
Remember the Name: JD Jackson
The First Academy freshman athlete JD Jackson made a strong impression. Of course, it's not often a 6-foot-3, 305-pounder lines up in the slot and runs routes.
Jackson primarily played an H-Back role for the Royals, but caught multiple passes and moves very well considering his size. He also played defensive tackle late in the game.
It won't be a suprise to see offers start coming in for Jackson early in his high school career.
Standout recruits
IMG Academy safety Zech Fort (No. 11 top 100, Georgia commit) forced a fumble and recovered it in the first quarter.
Senior Amari Jones (USF commit), junior Alex Ward (Alabama commit) and sophomore Lamon Robinson each had interceptions for IMG.
IMG Academy defensive tackle Cameron McHaney (No. 61 top 100, Indiana commit) had two sacks. First Academy three-star edge rusher Sr'Londo Wiley had a first half sack.
First Academy junior defensive back Bam Whitfield made several nice plays, including a picture-perfect jump to break up a fourth down pass in the first half.
First Academy three-star edge rusher Kington Shaw (Illinois commit) did not play because of a left knee injury suffered in practice earlier in the week.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: IMG Academy football dominates The First Academy in Kickoff Classic
Category: General Sports
