Cougars

Jack Thompson, the record-setting former quarterback at Washington State, talked about new Cougars coach Mike Leach, his own NFL career and the Super Bowl coming up Sunday in a live chat with readers Thursday.

Q: What are you up to these days?

Thompson: I'm helping coach Ballard High School. And working for Sterling Bank in the private banking division.

Q: What did you think of Mike Leach's first recruiting class?

Thompson: With his late entry, I think coach Leach's first class fits our needs. Lots of linemen. BIG linemen. And some nice looking D-linemen as well.

Q: What do you think of the Cougars playing a game a season in Seattle at CenturyLink Field?

Thompson: I think it's a great idea. I love having a game here for the benefit of those Cougars who are too lazy to drive to Pullman for a game. I believe Leach's offense will create such a stir that all Cougars will want to make the trek back to Mecca.

Q: How would you describe your feelings about the current state of the program under coach Leach?

Thompson: I've never seen more excitement for a new coach than what's going on for coach Leach and his staff.

Q: Do you think the Cougars will get to a bowl game this year?

Thompson: A bowl game would not surprise me.

Q: Did you like the nickname, "The Throwin' Samoan?"

Thompson: It beats being called "The Throwin' Belgian." Seriously, I'm very proud of it.

Q: Who do you root for when the Huskies play the Ducks?

Thompson: Quack quack.

Q: How did it feel when you finished your playing days at WSU that you had set the NCAA career record for passing yards?

Thompson: It was a great honor. We did things back then that were totally out of the box. Now, it's commonplace. No-back offense, five-receiver set, shotgun, 62 passes in a game. Weird stuff back in the day.

I believe those offenses set the tone for the Pac-8 at the time to where it is today.

Q: What do you think of these press conferences called by high-school players, picking the hat, etc.?

Thompson: It sucks. I am old-school and I believe it is a show of disrespect to the other schools that have given their time and efforts in recruiting these athletes. Make a decision and live by it. Coaches and parents need to teach these lessons to these coddled athletes.

Q: What was your NFL experience like? Do you wish you had played longer?

Thompson: Given some of the physical maladies that I have today — on my knees, shoulders, neck — I'm happy with the amount of years I put in. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have played in the NFL.

Q: Need a Super Bowl prediction from you. Who's your money on?

Thompson: Putting my money on (Tom) Brady. He's pretty motivated. Patriots, 34-27.