NFL draft diary: Shaq Thompson says his 'heart is still at linebacker'

USA TODAY Sports has assembled a talented team of prospects to chronicle their paths to the NFL draft. Today's entry is from Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson, who won the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player and is a potential first-round draft pick.

Pro day went well. Everyone on defense really stood out, from the D-line – Danny Shelton, Evan Hudson, Andrew Hudson – and our linebackers, Hau'oli Kikaha and John Timu, to our DBs Marcus Peters, Taz Stephenson, Travell Dixon, Tre Watson and Jon Kwon.

It's weird that was the last time we'll have everybody together. But once brothers, always brothers. We're all going to keep that same contact and stay connected to each other. I wish them nothing but the best.

I did linebacker and defensive back drills. Some teams see me as a strong safety, like a Kam Chancellor type. Some scouts wanted me to see me backpedal, open up my hips, stuff like that. But most of the teams I've been talking to all said weakside linebacker.

I'm open to safety, but my heart is still at linebacker. Definitely still not open to running back. It's my business and I don't personally want to play running back. Longevity has something to do with it, but I just want to play defense.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

I had two private workouts with the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns in March, before my pro day. I have workouts coming up with the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons. And I have some visits, too. I'm going to Dallas, Minnesota, Indianapolis and that's all I know of so far.

In the workouts, teams really just want to see how well I can move. I'm still young, so I have room to grow and get a little bit bigger. I'm 228 pounds and have been as heavy as 230.

I'm nervous. You never know what's going to happen. It's not like college, where you go on all these visits and then you get to choose. But it's a good feeling each time to know a team actually wants you to come in and they have some type of interest in you.

I'm also enrolled in three classes right now. And I'm trying to enjoy the rest of this month before I move on with real life. My birthday's coming up, too. I'll be 21 on April 21st. No big plans. It's just time to get in shape. Football's going to be my No. 1 priority.

Follow Shaq Thompson on Twitter at @ShaqThompson_7