Dillon, SC native Josiah Thompson is the cornerstone of the revamped offensive line built in Columbia. Thompson is the second five-star player for the Gamecocks in this class. Offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley is on a tear, and the 6’6”, 280-pound tackle is the crown jewel. Thompson is the number one player in the state, the number three tackle in the country, and the 30th-ranked player overall in the 2024 class. Thompson has the build of a great tackle, but his athleticism speaks for itself. He will likely hear his name called early in the NFL Draft when his time comes. Offensive tackles with his skill set are at a premium.
Expectations
Expect Thompson to compete early despite the difficulty of playing his position as a freshman in the SEC. The Gamecocks have been building a new regime up front in the 2023 and 2024 cycles. Two freshmen started up front for Carolina in 2023, and Thompson will walk in and be the most naturally talented lineman on the roster. Although he will likely have to acclimate and beef up in the early going, we expect him to eclipse a starting spot by the end of the 2024 season.
The Gamecocks did well to keep Thompson, a highly sought-after five-star player, at home. The key to success at South Carolina has always been dominated in-state recruiting first, but the opportunity to get a five start tackle like Thompson to stay home and play for the Gamecocks is few and far between. Make no mistake, this is a major step forward. If Thompson can use his athleticism and frame to protect quarterbacks in garnet and black for the next three years, South Carolina can find success. Football is, and has always been, won in the trenches. The addition of Thompson secures a bonafide star up front.
