James Thompson Jr. can feel the connection from his mind to his body getting stronger on the football field.
He’s trying to process a great deal in a split second as a redshirt freshman defensive end for the University of Wisconsin. What kind of block is the lineman across from him attempting? Which pass-rush move should he try to defeat that block? How can he maintain his gap and still create penetration? While he answers these questions, his feet and body must be darting forward and his hands initiating contact with the blocker.
It’s taken some time, but he’s hitting the sweet spot of knowing what he needs to do and how to do it.