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Thompson hopes to overcome the odds once again

All of Cedric Thompson’s life, he’s been the underdog. 

He grew up in Bombay Beach, Calif., a Southern California desert wasteland, far from the reach of college football recruiters. He came to Minnesota — the only high-major program to offer him a scholarship — without a position. 

But if the past four years are any indicator of Thompson’s determination, he’ll overcome expectations — whether he’s drafted this weekend or picked up by a team as an undrafted free agent.

“Once I got a shot, that’s all I’ve ever needed,” Thompson said. “That’s all I ever needed, all my life.