South Carolina OT narrows list to three
Sumter (S.C.) offensive lineman James Thompson is a player whose stock has steadily been on the rise since the beginning of his senior season.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle has graded out at 86 percent and registered 26 knockdown blocks this season in leading the Palmetto State’s No. 2 ranked team overall to a 13-0 record and within two more wins of a state championship.
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Thompson’s performance and long-term potential has helped him draw scholarship offers from the likes of South Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina, N.C. State, Maryland and East Carolina, and it looks like the list has been narrowed to three schools.
“I’ve got it down to South Carolina, Clemson and North Carolina,” he said. “They’re all pretty even right now, and they all pretty much have the same stuff I’m looking for.”
Such as?
“Playing time, how far it is from home and their academics – the graduation rates,” Thompson said. “I also like their coaches a lot, all three schools.
“I’ve been to all of USC’s home games this year. It’s only 45 minutes away, so that’s a plus. But Clemson and North Carolina both have a real good opportunity for playing time next year. They need more help than USC. I think they’re only losing one offensive tackle.”
He also got an opportunity to see North Carolina play at Clemson during an unofficial visit.
Thompson hopes to take his visits in January before making his final decision. Those dates will be scheduled when Sumter wraps up its season.
Academically, he maintains a 2.3 GPA and has scored a 920 on the SAT.