New Aldine AD

Thompson’s vision—keeping the kids at home

Thompson’s vision—keeping the kids at home
Dre Thompson (right) is the new AD in Aldine ISD. Vype

Originally appeared on Vype.com.

Dre Thompson has been promoted to be the new Aldine ISD athletic director, and has one seemingly simple mission as he begins his new regime.

“We have to recruit our own kids and make them want to stay in Aldine ISD,” he said. “It’s easy to get lazy and take it for granted that these athletes will automatically come to us. We have to get into the families’ houses, the elementary and junior high schools and keep our kids. We have the players here, we just need to keep them.”

Thompson is a Madison High School alumni and got his start in the Aldine ISD as a defensive coordinator at Eisenhower. He then became the Ike head coach, before moving to administration as an assistant AD.

“I still consider myself a coach,” he said. “It’s in a little different way. Now, I coach the coaches. I’ve been where they are today, and I like to give them the tools that make their jobs easier. I know their situations and give them realistic goals.

Thompson must fill the two head football coaching spots at MacArthur and Eisenhower.

“You have to find the right fit for the kids,” he said. “There are a lot of great coaches out here in Houston, but you have to decipher who fits the needs of our kids. I have to stick to that formula, even if it’s not all that popular.”

He will also be hiring an assistant athletic director.

“Like in any job, I’m looking for a hard-working person who has ideas,” he said. “I like to empower people and give them the credit for their ideas. That’s just how I’m programmed.”

At the end of the day, Thompson has his plate full as he launches his new administration.

“We are working on getting our on-site facilities upgraded as well,” he said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this this is what I’ve dreamed of—having a career in athletics. It doesn’t get better than that.”

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The Texans are releasing corner Shaq Griffin. Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images.

One of the big factors that led to the Texans' loss to the Jaguars on Sunday was the secondary. Multiple flags for pass interference gave Jacksonville more opportunities to pick up first downs and score points.

So it's no surprise that DeMeco Ryans is making some changes to his defense this week. According to several reports, Texans corner Shaq Griffin has been cut.

Nickel corner Tavierre Thomas was flagged for PI more than once on Sunday, and was burned badly by Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley for a touchdown.

DeMeco was asked after the game if he considered replacing Thomas with Desmond King or Shaq Griffin. Ryans didn't give a definitive answer, but it looks like we got one today.

One has to wonder if Desmond Kings' experience playing nickel was the reason for his promotion to the active roster and why Griffin was released. If Thomas continues to struggle, King looks like the next man up to replace him.

The Texans also made some other adjustments to their roster on Wednesday, per Aaron Wilson. Linebacker Denzel Perryman returns from suspension, kicker Matt Ammendola and linebacker Garret Wallow join the practice squad. They also released Gerrid Doaks from the practice squad.

The other big piece of news involves left guard Tytus Howard. He heads to injured reserve, ending his season after hurting his knee against Jacksonville.

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