Why Marshall is the backup plan for USC commit Bryce Thompson

With the second National Signing Day a week away, Dutch Fork’s Bryce Thompson remains committed to South Carolina but that hasn’t stopped Marshall from doing its best to recruit him.

Marshall head coach Doc Holliday and two of his assistants attended Thompson’s basketball game against Lexington on Tuesday. The Thundering Herd are making a late push for Thompson, who committed to South Carolina on Dec. 13, if he doesn’t qualify academically for the Gamecocks.

Thompson took an official visit to Marshall earlier this month and he said its coaches are in contact with him almost every day.

“They are recruiting me pretty hard. But I am still committed to Carolina 100 percent,” Thompson said following the 46-45 loss to Lexington. “Marshall has been in the picture just for a backup. If USC doesn’t take me as an academic redshirt, or if it ever came down to that, which I highly doubt, then Marshall would be a good option instead of going to JUCO. That is all Marshall is -- a backup plan in case I came up short on my grades; but I know for sure I am not.

“Coach T-Rob said he had a scholarship for the longest time. He kept his word and I am going to keep mine. I am going to keep my grades up.”

Thompson is supposed to meet with Gamecocks defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson this week. He and his Dutch Fork teammates will sign their letters of intent at 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 7.

Thompson has been elevated to four-star status by Rivals and 247Sports in their final evaluations for the Class of 2018. The Gamecocks are recruiting him to play defense and special teams but the senior showed the ability to do both during his senior season.

Thompson rushed for 1,368 yards, caught 44 passes for 630 yards and 38 total touchdowns in helping the Silver Foxes to their second straight state title. He also had 27 tackles, an interception and blocked a kick on defense.

Thompson earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the Shrine Bowl after catching seven passes for 165 yards and a TD.

On the basketball side, Thompson is averaging 9.6 points and 2.9 assists as starting point guard for the Silver Foxes.

“Basketball isn’t my main sport but I treat it like it is. It is my first love but I am using it to get in shape for football,” Thompson said.

This story was originally published January 31, 2018 at 11:03 AM with the headline "Why Marshall is the backup plan for USC commit Bryce Thompson."