South Carolina Football: Gamecock freshman wins huge in-state award

South Carolina football fans are excited about the 2024 freshman class. The Gamecocks signed two 5-star prospects (Josiah Thompson and Dylan Stewart) in the same class for the first time since 2020 (MarShawn Lloyd and Jordan Burch were in that class), and the overall class is one of the highest-rated ever for the program on a per-player basis.

On the offensive side of the ball, Josiah Thompson, a 5-star offensive tackle from Dillon High School is the gem of the class. With elite athleticism and impressive length and toughness for a kid who hasn't played his first collegiate game yet, Thompson is believed to be a future star at the position with an early NFL Draft pick type of potential.

Earlier his week, Thompson was selected as one of three finalists for the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame Bridge Builder Excellence Award. Now, the big tackle has won the honor. Gamecock legendary defensive back Brad Edwards (who was inducted into the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame two years ago) presented Thompson with the award.

The SCFHOF Bridge Builder Excellence Award is given out to a player from the Palmetto State who demonstrates excellence both on the field and off of it. According to their website, "The award honors and encourages excellence in the community, in the classroom and on the field."

Gamecock quarterback LaNorris Sellers won the honor last year.

Thompson has already begun to impress his coaches and teammates this spring with his performance during spring practice. Despite needing to add some weight and muscle in strength coach Luke Day's weight room, Thompson has held up better than many expected against SEC defensive linemen so far when matched up with his teammates at practice.

Thompson and his Gamecock teammates will get their first "action" of the season on Saturday as the annual Garnet and Black Spring Game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM EST under the lights at Williams-Brice Stadium.