Bryce Thompson’s list of college suitors has grown, coach says
Other colleges are moving in and recruiting Bryce Thompson, Dutch Fork coach Tom Knotts told reporters Wednesday.
Thompson, who committed to South Carolina on Dec. 13, didn’t sign on the second National Signing Day as he works through academic issues. Still, the four-star wide receiver/defensive back was there to support teammates Blake Branham, Christian Johnson, Donte Johnson and Alex Smith as they signed their letters of intent.
“I thought he was going to sign this morning but a couple of other schools have moved into the picture,” Knotts said. “Signing day is important to the kids and he didn’t want to jump into something. He does have some academic work to do, but he just has to apply himself. But he is going to make it in the end and will make someone a good football player.”
Last week, Thompson said he thought he would be eligible and able to sign Wednesday with the Gamecocks.
“It’s frustrating for him and I feel for him,” Knotts said. “He thought he was going to be able to sign with them (USC), but for one reason or another he didn’t.”
Knotts didn’t say which schools were showing interest. WLTX sports director Reggie Anderson reported interest was coming from Tennessee and Oklahoma.
Marshall made a late push for Thompson, who visited there last month.
Thompson took to social media Tuesday night to reaffirm his commitment to the Gamecocks.
“I am committed to the university of South Carolina. If anything changes I will let y’all know until then stop putting false info out please,” Thompson posted on Twitter.
According to TheBigSpur, USC would hold a spot for Thompson and not sign anyone in his place on Signing Day.
This isn’t the first time a Dutch Fork high-profile recruit has not signed on National Signing Day. In 2015, Louisville pulled Mr. Football Matt Colburn’s scholarship at the last minute. Colburn ended up going to Wake Forest and was the team’s leading rusher this past season.
In 2016, Stephen Davis Jr. ended up signing with Auburn in July. Last year, Austin Connor didn’t sign and ended up walking on at South Carolina.
“A lot of kids sign today, but there is going to be more scholarships open for the 2018 college football season,” Knotts said. “Bryce will be on the college football field somewhere in 2018. He is a difference maker. Whoever gets him will get a difference maker.”
Thompson was The State’s Co-Offensive Player of Year after helping the Silver Foxes to their second straight Class 5A title.
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 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.
This story was originally published February 7, 2018 at 12:43 PM with the headline "Bryce Thompson’s list of college suitors has grown, coach says."