Carolina OL adds surprise visit

One of South Carolina’s top prospects has squeezed in an unexpected official visit down the stretch.

“James is up at N.C. State on an official visit right now,” said the father of three-star Sumter offensive lineman James Thompson. “He had some visits left, and we were able to stop by N.C. State and look things over on an unofficial visit a couple of weeks ago. They told him that they were still interested, so he decided to go back up and take a closer look.”

He just arrived in Raleigh on Sunday. His team’s football banquet was held on Saturday, so that cut his visit short. He plans to return home on Monday afternoon.

Thompson (6-5, 310, 5.2) is rated the No. 37 offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com. He recently participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

In addition to N.C. State, he’s visited South Carolina and North Carolina. A lone trip remains on Jan. 30th at Clemson.

“I think all four of those are still in it,” said the elder Thompson. “He wavers back and forth. One day, he says it’s just the South Carolina schools, and then the next he thinks he might consider the North Carolina schools. You know how kids are.

“We’ve encouraged him to take all his visits. You don’t want to buy a car without driving a few to see what they’re like.”

Thompson said the family expects to play host to Gamecock coach Lou Holtz this week in the home. Clemson and North Carolina sent coaches last week.