Thompson talks about decision

South Carolina picked up a big verbal recently from one of the Palmetto State's top prospects.

Offensive tackle James Thompson verbally committed to South Carolina on Monday, giving the Gamecock recruiting class yet another boost down the stretch run into Signing Day. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle from Sumter, S.C. had offers from several other top programs, but decided South Carolina was the place for him.

"First of all, it would have been real hard to pass up an opportunity to play SEC football and stay in the state," said Thompson. "This is a goal for so many guys, I'm just fortunate to be able to actually do it. Coach Holtz is a real down to earth guy and I can't think of any reason why you would pass up the chance to play for him. He's like a college football legend."

Thompson received offers from Clemson, NC State, Florida State, North Carolina and others before announcing that he would be a Gamecock. Though there was some drama along the way, Thompson was confident he wanted to be a Gamecock for a while.

"I wasn't 100-percent sure for all that long, but I was definitely leaning in that direction," he said. "I had a lot of options so I was going to take my time, but this is the right decision for me."

Thompson is a 3-star prospect and is rated the No. 14 overall recruit in South Carolina. He is also the No. 37 ranked offensive tackle nationally.