South Carolina Football: A look at every 5-star recruit in program history; Two are in this year's class!
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football's All-Time 5-Star Recruits:
Offensive Tackle Josiah Thompson (Class of 2024)
Spending most of his recruitment in consensus 4-star territory, in-state lineman Josiah Thompson got the senior year bump to 5-star stats by On3, and the ratings boost was sizable enough that he became a 5-star by both major composite rankings (On3 and 247Sports).
Thompson is a special type of athlete at the offensive tackle position, and if he can gain the necessary weight to hold up in the SEC, he might develop into the best pass blocker to ever play at South Carolina. He also has shown tremendous ability and aggression in the run game. In short, the sky is the limit for Josiah Thompson.
The Gamecocks had a bad offensive line in 2023 (both due to injuries and poor play), and there could be a need for youngsters to play in 2024. With Thompson's need for physical development, it is probably in his and the program's best interest for his services to remain unneeded next fall, however.
Whenever Thompson is ready, though, South Carolina football fans can expect greatness. His athleticism and length make him the ideal body type to block SEC pass rushers, and his tough mindset is key for a successful offensive lineman at the college level.
Josiah Thompson is a 5-star, and if he plays like one for the Gamecocks, he will go down as an all-time great alongside names like Travelle Wharton, AJ Cann, Jamar Nesbit, and Del Wilkes.