As a 5-star wide receiver out of high school, Perry Thompson had high expectations for his first season on the Plains. While adjusting to playing football in the SEC and competing with the likes of KeAndre Lamber-Smith and his peers Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons for playing time, Thompson didn't live up to his own expectations.
Instead of being discouraged, though, Thompson let it fuel him through the offseason, and he has been working to take his game to the next level ahead of his sophomore season. The wide receiver's improvements from last year have been noticeable.
"He's balling," Auburn safety Sylvester Smith said, per Auburn Undercover. "It definitely makes it difficult having a guy who is so big, not only big but fast, not only fast but strong. He has a combination of all God has blessed him with. To guard a guy like that, you've got to bring it. There are no plays off."
According to Thompson, his improvements have come from focusing on fundamentals, as well as having more time to learn and understand the system of his head coach, Hugh Freeze, and the staff.
"Getting used to the system and everything has slowed down for me since last year," Thompson said. "It was a lot of fast-paced and getting to know everything, whether it was certain routes or what to do. This year is a lot better. They call the plays and I know them like the back of my hand so I can play a lot faster."
While the Tigers are slated to have one of the most talented wide receiver rooms in the nation, they are being consistently challenged by their teammates on the secondary, and the level of competition at practice is making everyone better ahead of the 2025 season.
"I feel like iron sharpens iron," Thompson said. "Coach Freeze said everybody is making everybody better, and it's making me a better receiver."