Clemson is calling. Why Josiah Thompson is staying loyal to South Carolina
With just over a week before he can sign on the dotted line, five-star offensive lineman Josiah Thompson remains loyal to South Carolina.
The 6-foot-7, 280-pound star from Dillon High School is spending the week in the Upstate, practicing for the 2023 Shrine Bowl at Spartanburg High. During Tuesday’s morning practice, the Gamecocks commit rocked garnet and white Under Armour cleats with the South Carolina logo splattered around his foot.
He said his plan is still to sign with South Carolina, but that doesn’t mean other schools haven’t come calling.
Just over a week ago, Clemson hired Matt Luke — the former Ole Miss head coach and Georgia OL coach — to run its trenches. Upon being hired, Luke reached out to The Palmetto State’s highest-ranked prospect.
“He’s been in contact, (telling) me that like, ‘If you can trust me, I can actually do better. I can take you far as well,’” Thompson said. “But it’s here and there. It’s not everyday. He just comes and talks, tries to persuade me.”
Thompson added that he’s only talked with Luke once, but noted that the Tigers did not mention anything about Thompson visiting Clemson before early signing day on Wednesday.
Thompson is sticking with South Carolina.
The Gamecocks showed interest early and it was under former coach Will Muschamp when USC pulled the trigger initially. When Shane Beamer was hired, he kept Thompson as a priority and offensive line coaches Greg Adkins and Lonnie Teasley made great impressions.
“I knew I could trust them,” Thompson said.
Thompson committed to South Carolina back in April and has since been elevated to a five-star prospect and 247 Sports’ third-ranked offensive tackle in America. On Saturday, he was named SC’s Mr. Football.
“I love it. Staying close to home — my family can travel,” Thompson said of his USC commitment. “I can actually represent my state. If I go far, I just know I that I played for South Carolina and I was born in South Carolina and I was able to represent.”
