Dylan Thompson works toward NFL dream

The first of the five South Carolina products invited to this year’s NFL Combine will head to Indianapolis on Tuesday. Dylan Thompson, meanwhile, will remain in Bradenton, Fla., working on a dream he knows many think is a long shot.

“I know where I stand,” the former Gamecocks quarterback said. “I want to be honest with myself about the process. I know I am not going to be some high-round draft pick. I started one year in college, and I have to earn everything I get at the next level.”

Thompson, who set the school’s single-season passing record last year, has signed with Element Sports in Atlanta and is working out at IMG Academy in preparation for May’s draft – all the while knowing he probably won’t hear his name called during the draft’s seven rounds.

“I probably wouldn’t give him a draftable grade, but he’s a guy who can get to a camp and have a chance to compete for a job in the NFL,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper said. “Everybody has a different opinion on these guys. For me, he would be more of an undrafted free agent.”

Josh Norris, NFL draft analyst for Rotoworld.com, agrees.

“I’ve watched him in games, there are a handful of throws where you say, ‘There’s something to work with here,’ ” said Norris, before adding there are also concerns about how well Thompson would translate to the NFL.

Thompson, who starred at Boiling Springs High before joining the Gamecocks, played in 36 career games, compiling 5,401 yards, 40 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. As a senior, he completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,564 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

“Obviously, I would have loved to have more wins than numbers any day, but you do feel like you had a successful year to an extent,” Thompson said. “Teams notice (the stats), but like I told them and tell everyone, I would much rather have more wins than yards.”

Thompson competed in the East-West Shrine Game in January, finishing 1-of-6 for 5 yards and one interception. He spent the week trying to impress teams in practice drills and trying to sell himself and his numbers. He found the latter more difficult than the former.

“I just don’t like doing that. I feel like if teams like you, they like you,” he said. “They will say something like, ‘Why would you fit our system? Or, why do you think you would be successful?’ ”

Thompson points out that he led the SEC in passing with 274.9 yards per game. He is working on his game with former Heisman Trophy winner and Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke at IMG.

“You can have a good day, but he wants it great every day and that has really helped me here,” Thompson said.

Thompson’s last chance to impress scouts will come at South Carolina’s pro day on April 1.

“I expect to be fighting for a spot on a roster, compete in camp,” he said. “I just know that I have a lot of room to grow.”