Gamecocks offer lineman knowing he won’t be part of next year’s class

South Carolina this week offered defensive tackle Will Thomas (6-foot-3 286) of Raleigh, North Carolina knowing he won’t be part of the 2021 class. Thomas said he will have to go to junior college first, and the plan is to go for a year and a half before moving on. It’s a similar plan to the one Javon Kinlaw used to get to USC. And the Gamecocks now how the Kinlaw story turned out.

“The last time they came (to school), a good month ago, I came out and introduced myself,” Thomas said. “My coach told me they wanted to see me in the spring and they’ve just been talking to me ever since.”

Thomas said he’s been talking primarily with new defensive line coach Tracy Rocker and new director of player personnel Drew Hughes. Both came from Tennessee, which is also one of the offers to Thomas.

“He (Rocker) sent me an invitation to their spring practice (before it was canceled) and the times that I can come in their practice schedule,” Thomas said. “He was just checking up on me and hoping that everything is staying safe. He’s just been checking up on me to see how I’m doing.”

“I’m really excited about the offer,” Thomas continued. “It’s going to be one of the top five that I have, one of the main ones I might pick. I like that they are close to home. They have a nice facility that I’ve seen. I hope in the future I’ll visit.”

Thomas has not yet visited USC. He has been to Coastal Carolina, East Carolina and Duke. The Chants and Blue Devils also have offered along with Tennessee and Liberty.

Last season, Thomas said he was in on around 65 tackles with five sacks. 247Sports rates him as a three-star prospect and the No. 32 ranked prospect in his home state.

Notes:

▪ Former Keenan standout Dillon Jones, a 6-foot-5 wing, basically saw his recruiting start over when he transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. His offer slate was wiped clean. He now has offers from Missouri State, Illinois-Chicago and Tennessee State, and he’s hearing from Tulane, Notre Dame and Dayton. Jones said he averaged 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists per game, and he shot 35% from 3. He also lost 25 pounds.

▪ The Gamecocks are showing interest in 6-foot-8 grad transfer Kevin Marfo of Quinnipiac according to a 247Sports report. The Gamecocks also are reportedly interested in Virginia Tech transfer Landers Nolley II according to Stockrisers.

▪ USC offered 2022 defensive end Eli Hall (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) of Shelby, North Carolina. He also has an offer from Akron.

▪ Winter Park, Florida safety Dakota Mitchell who has Clemson and South Carolina offers, named a top three of Georgia, LSU and Florida.

▪ Gamecocks target Trenilyas Tatum was offered by Minnesota.

▪ USC linebacker target Raneira Dillworth of Kernersville, North Carolina was offered by Michigan State.

▪ South Carolina defensive end target Jahvaree Ritzie of Kernersville, North Carolina was offered by LSU.

This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 10:57 AM.