After USC official visit, Dutch Fork’s Bryce Thompson closer to college decision

Dutch Fork’s Bryce Thompson enjoyed his official visit to South Carolina over the weekend and might be getting close to making his college decision.

Thompson said he is about 85 percent sure he will announce his college choice next week when the early signing period begins Dec. 20.

“I’m debating whether I want to sign early or in February. I’m going to use this week to think to be 100 percent sure. If not, I’m going to wait until February,” Thompson said Monday after first day of Shrine Bowl practice wrapped up.

The Gamecocks have been the favorite since Thompson decommitted from Virginia Tech in the summer. He took his official visit to USC over the weekend and had positive conversations with Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson.

“They told me how proud they were about my accomplishments in school and that I held my end,” Thompson said. “I told them I would do my work and get my grades up and qualify. And they were really appreciative for me doing that.”

Thompson was hosted on his visit by defensive back Jamarcus King and the Gamecocks see him playing on defense either in the nickel position or at cornerback. He played more defense late in the season for Dutch Fork in its run to the Class 5A championship but also played running back and receiver.

Thompson, who is feeling better after being in a car accident last week, is listed on the Shrine Bowl roster as a receiver but he played both offense and defense during Monday’s two practices.

“Since I played a lot of offense this year, I hardly play defense but I love playing defense,” Thompson said. “So I would love playing it in college.”

During his senior season, Thompson rushed for 1,368 yards, caught 44 passes for 630 yards and 38 total touchdowns. He also had 27 tackles, an interception and blocked a kick on defense.

This story was originally published December 11, 2017 at 6:16 PM with the headline "After USC official visit, Dutch Fork’s Bryce Thompson closer to college decision."