‘The band is back together:’ Inside Khamari Anderson and Jalen Thompson’s reunion in the desert

(Photo: Aiden Longbrake/WCSN)

TEMPE — About 25 miles northwest of downtown Detroit sits the suburb of Novi, Michigan, home to roughly 68,400 people. For comparison, Michigan State’s Spartan Stadium in East Lansing seats 74,866. It’s a much larger crowd than the one drawn to Novi High School on Nov. 18, 2022. 

The fans who showed up that day in spite of the snow and 30‑degree temperatures were treated to a thriller. In a high school playoff matchup, Cass Tech High School was like David, facing a Goliath Belleville High School squad that entered undefeated. Furthermore, every game Belleville played to that point was decided by at least three possessions.

Ultimately, Cass Tech narrowly lost 29-28 in overtime. And for two alumni, tight end Khamari Anderson and defensive end Jalen Thompson, it marked their final game as Technicians. 

“We lost, but I think we both played with fight,” Anderson said. “It was snowing that game. It was a real gritty game.”

While neither has suited up for Cass Tech since that loss, it likely won’t stand to be their last as teammates, as Thompson transferred to the Valley from MSU in January, crossing paths again with Anderson, who was already at Arizona State.

Anderson first saw Thompson during freshman‑year workouts held over Zoom as COVID limited in‑person activities. He transferred from University of Detroit Jesuit High School to be at Cass Tech, where his older brother, Raheem, was a team captain for three years. 

Raheem’s collegiate career is now over after four seasons at Michigan and a final year at Western Michigan. Thompson was introduced to Raheem before Khamari, and they still keep in touch to this day. Their friendship lasted even while playing for schools that were bitter rivals, fighting for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

“Raheem Anderson, that’s my guy,” Thompson said. “I met him before I met Khamari because he was at Cass before Khamari got there. He’s a great guy. I still talk to him.”

Technicians head coach Marvin Rushing asked Raheem to play center, guard and defensive tackle. He then tasked the younger Anderson with playing tight end in addition to wide receiver and defensive end. 

Because Cass Tech needed an extra body on the offensive line, Thompson’s assignments were to both protect his quarterback’s blindside and hunt down the opposing team’s signal caller. Rushing views the four‑star defensive end recruit coming out of high school as one of the best tackles to come through the program.

“Honestly, Jalen Thompson would have played tight end here,” Rushing said. “We just were short on linemen. We knew (Anderson and Thompson) had the range to do a lot.”

Rushing knew he could count on them to be flexible and value the team over any preference for one side of the ball. That same unselfish attitude showed up off the field. When teammates didn’t have a ride to practice during the summer, both of them offered seats in their cars.

Their bond is rooted in faith, and Scripture repeatedly calls believers to put others’ needs ahead of their own. When Thompson first arrived in Tempe, Anderson welcomed him into the church he attends.

ASU has become a belief‑oriented roster, with team chaplain Steve Watson at the forefront of that shift. Thompson leaned on the team’s established faith community while acclimating to his new home. He and Anderson routinely attend Bible studies alongside fellow Sun Devils.

“It’s been a cool experience getting to see him grow in his faith,” Anderson said. “I get to encourage him, show how I live out here and be a role model for Jesus.”

Thompson is active in helping those around him, something he plans to continue at ASU. With the Spartans, he was the male recipient of MSU’s Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award for two consecutive years.

In 2024 and 2025, Thompson organized his own annual free camp in Detroit called the Jalen Thompson Anti‑Gun Youth Football Camp. It’s designed to teach football skills and emphasize the importance of gun safety, featuring both on‑field training sessions and educational panels.

“It’s only right for me to be in the position that I am to be able to give back,” Thompson said. “You can count on me, rely on me with whatever you need.”

Thompson’s parents expected him to be someone who serves his community. The Technicians echo that standard, emphasizing giving back and ensuring the principle is embedded in their players. And during the season, Rushing schedules Sunday practice later in the day so players have time to worship.

In the Bible, the story of David and Goliath appears in 1 Samuel 17. On that snowy night in Novi, Cass Tech wasn’t able to triumph as David did. But being the one team that pushed 2022 Belleville to the brink remains an impressive feat.

“Man, it was cold,” Thompson said. “We had so many different opportunities to steal the game and we just didn’t.”

Anderson and Thompson will face daunting opponents this season. They’ve left the Michigan cold behind for the Arizona heat. For Rushing, there’s no doubt they’ll handle whatever comes their way, on or off the field.

“I’m excited Jalen is there because it’s like the band is back together,” Rushing said. “They’re so phenomenal as men that I don’t worry about them.”

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