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Nebraska RB Ronald Thompkins enters transfer portal after sliding down pecking order

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Nebraska at Ohio St., 10.24

Nebraska running back Ronald Thompkins runs past Ohio State defensive back Lloyd McFarquhar last October in Columbus, Ohio.

Associated Press file photo

Steven M. Sipple

Parker Gabriel and Chris Basnett talk about the lull in the college football world before a wild June of recruiting visits and workouts begins. In baseball, Spencer Schwellenbach is rising up MLB Draft boards while the Huskers found out Friday that they will not play host to a regional in the NCAA Tournament. 

Ronald Thompkins rose to No. 2 on Nebraska’s running back depth chart entering last season. 

He appeared in two of the first three games, rushing five times for 24 yards, before fading into the background. 

He’s now out of the program.

Steven M. Sipple: With machinery on construction site, a wild Moos story seems in order

Spring post-op: What we learned about NU's running backs, what we didn't and the to-do list

A native of Loganville, Georgia, Thompkins has entered the transfer portal, easing a bit of a logjam of Nebraska running backs competing for playing time in 2021. 

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Thompkins battled from behind early in his time at Nebraska after suffering torn ACLs in both his junior and senior seasons at powerhouse Grayson High School near Atlanta. He spent most of the 2019 season at NU trying to get healthy after suffering yet another knee-related injury setback that year. 

However, he emerged as the No. 2 option behind senior starter Dedrick Mills heading into last season’s opener at Ohio State, in which Thompkins rushed four times for 22 yards while adding a 10-yard reception. He didn’t make the trip to the next game, at Northwestern, before recording a two-yard carry the next week against Penn State. He then was bothered by nagging injuries, although he did make trips to Iowa and Purdue. 

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This spring, Thompkins appeared to slide downward in the pecking order behind the likes of 2021 freshman Gabe Ervin and 2020 freshmen Marvin Scott and Sevion Morrison. Another freshman, walk-on Jaquez Yant, also drew ample praise from coaches this spring. 

AGTG pic.twitter.com/YsTBw4nZ3i

— Ronald (RT)Thompkins ll (@jrthompkins5) May 19, 2021

Meanwhile, touted USC transfer Markese Stepp arrived on campus this past winter with a pre-existing injury that required left foot surgery and cost him most of spring. He’s expected to return in time for preseason camp, which is set to begin in late July. 

Another back in the mix, redshirt freshman Rahmir Johnson, missed most of the spring season as well. 

Thompkins carried four times for 32 yards May 1 in the Red-White Spring Game. That turned out to be his last time in a Husker uniform.

In high school, he was regarded as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and the No. 5 all-purpose back in the country. He had offers from numerous schools, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Oregon, Penn State and USC. 

“He’s a slasher. He’s got the ability to make cuts,” NU running backs coach Ryan Held said last October before the 2020 season. “He’s got tremendous hands, can really catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s one of the better guys on our team catching the football.” 

Thompkins, though, will take those talents elsewhere.

Photos: Our favorite staff images from the 2020 Nebraska football season

Illinois vs. Nebraska, 11.21

Illinois’ Alec McEachern (46) and Nebraska’s Niko Cooper (32) reach for a fumble on a kickoff return in the second quarter Nov. 21 at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Illinois vs. Nebraska, 11.21

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) throws an interception under pressure from Illinois’ Khalan Tolson (45) in the first quarter Nov. 21, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Illinois vs. Nebraska, 11.21

Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and Cam Taylor-Britt (5) walk off the field after the Huskers’ 41-23 loss to Illinois on Nov. 21, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Illinois vs. Nebraska, 11.21

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey gets his helmet twisted around by Illinois’ Roderick Perry (96) in the second half Nov. 21, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is lifted up by teammate Bryce Benhart after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against Iowa on Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers onto the field to take on Iowa on Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (7) celebrates his second-quarter interception with teammate Cam Taylor-Britt against Iowa on Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Iowa’s Terry Roberts (22) dives on a fumbled punt return by Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt (5) in the fourth quarter Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras gets off a third-quarter pass as Nebraska’s Garrett Nelson (44) and Luke Reimer (28) pressure him Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska’s Wan’Dale Robinson rushes against Iowa’s Jack Campbell (31) in the second half Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez reaches for the high snap in the first quarter against Iowa on Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out to the field against Iowa on Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws under pressure from Iowa’s Joe Evans (13) in the second quarter Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez and the Husker offensive line push toward the goal line on Martinez’s 1-yard touchdown run against Iowa on Nov. 27, 2020, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.27

Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks with his players during a first-half timeout against Iowa last November at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Penn State quarterback Will Levis (7) gets pressured by Nebraska’s Ben Stille on a fourth-down play, throwing an incomplete pass to turn it over to the Huskers in the final moments of the game Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Luke McCaffrey (7) and Wan’Dale Robinson (1) celebrate after the Huskers’ win over Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) strips the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford. Williams recovered the fumble and returned it for a touchdown in the second quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) strips the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford before recovering the fumble and returning it for a touchdown in the second quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska’s Collin Miller (31) celebrates after Ben Stille (right) tackled Penn State quarterback Will Levis (left) to give the Huskers the ball on downs in the fourth quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska’s Ben Stille (95) and Ty Robinson walk off the field after the Huskers’ 30-23 win over Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. 

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska kicker Connor Culp sends a ball through the uprights for a fourth-quarter field goal against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska’s Will Honas (3) tackles Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth (87) in the fourth quarter on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost instructs the team during a timeout on Nov. 14, 2020, against Penn State at Memorial Stadium. 

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) gets the snap from center Cameron Jurgens (51) as running back Ronald Thompkins (25) and Ethan Piper look to block against Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt (5) runs back a punt as he avoids the tackle of Penn State’s Daequan Hardy in the first half Nov. 14 at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska safety Deontai Williams (8) strips the ball from Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford in the second quarter Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. Williams recovered the fumble and scored.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Nebraska’s Noa Pola-Gates (facing) hugs senior Marquel Dismuke (9) after the Huskers’ 24-17 loss to Minnesota on Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Nebraska senior Dicaprio Bootle (7) hugs fellow senior Marquel Dismuke (left) as JoJo Domann looks on after the Huskers’ 24-17 loss to Minnesota on Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

A third-quarter pass from Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is batted by Minnesota’s Rashad Cheney on Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Protected by the offensive line, Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) has the time to throw in the second quarter against Minnesota on Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Husker fan cutouts fill the North Stadium stands before the team takes on Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out onto a nearly empty stadium before taking on Penn State on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt (left) defends a pass intended for Penn State’s Jahan Dotson in the fourth quarter on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska’s Collin Miller (31) celebrates after Ben Stille (95) tackled Penn State quarterback Will Levis (7) on Nov. 14, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Penn State vs. Nebraska, 11.14

Nebraska fan cutouts are a backdrop for  the consecutive sellout sign on Saturday at Memorial Stadium during a Nov. 14, 2020, game against Penn State.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Illinois vs. Nebraska, 11.21

Nebraska safety Myles Farmer (left) is flagged for a facemask call against Illinois’ Donny Navarro (86) in the third quarter Nov. 21, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Illinois vs. Nebraska, 11.21

A worker waits to release balloons after the first Nebraska touchdown against Illinois on Nov. 21, 2020, at Memorial Stadium. 

GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star file photo

Illinois vs. Nebraska, 11.21

Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks with junior quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) on the sideline in the third quarter against Illinois on Nov. 21, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

A security guard watches the field among snow-covered cardboard cutouts before a Nebraska-Minnesota football game on Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Nebraska family members look for their seats before the Huskers host Minnesota on Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Nebraska tight end Austin Allen (second right) celebrates his second-quarter TD with teammates against Minnesota on Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Nebraska’s Austin Allen celebrates his touchdown catch with Brenden Jaimes and Ethan Piper against Minnesota on Dec. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Nebraska coach Scott Frost sends quarterback Adrian Martinez back into the game against Minnesota in the second quarter Dec. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost greets Huskers captain Matt Farniok (71) during Senior Day festivities before the Minnesota game Dec. 12, 2020, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 12.12

The Nebraska football team is planning to open its April 17 practice to 4,000 fans.

KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo

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