Jalen Thompson wins 2022 STATE CHAMPS! Anvil Award presented by Hungry Howie’s
Southfield — The State Champs! Sports Network is proud to announce that Detroit Cass Tech senior defensive end Jalen Thompson is the winner of the 2022 Anvil Award presented by Hungry Howie’s Pizza. Committed to play in college at Michigan State, Thompson (6-5, 250) is the fifth recipient of the honor given out annually to the non-skill position player in the MHSAA who exhibits the most toughness and competitive spirit.
The rangy, high-motor edge rusher played on both sides of the line for Cass Tech this fall. On defense, he registered 83 tackles and 16 sacks.
Thompson’s tenacious play proved to be a catalyst for the CT Technicians (9-4) on their surprise run to a PSL title and trip to the Division 1 final four in 2022. Thompson leaves Cass Tech the school’s all-time sack leader and one of the top quarterback crushers in state history. Both ESPN and 24/7 Sports rank Thompson a 4-star recruit and the No. 3 overall prospect in the state’s Class of 2023.
“They don’t make football players any better or more inspiring than Jalen Thompson, he’s just relentless,” Cass Tech Marvin Rushing said. “What he brings to a team every snap, every practice, you can’t coach or teach. He’s a beast. And he respects the game. He wants to learn. He wants to be coached. His future is as bright as they come.”
