4-star OT Josiah Thompson commits to South Carolina Gamecocks, Shane Beamer: 'He's building something great'

Dillon (S.C.) four-star offensive tackle Josiah Thompson has visited South Carolina between 15 and 20 times. Each time he saw the Gamecocks, he felt like a part of the program.

As Thompson continued traveling to Columbia, he gradually felt more comfortable around South Carolina. That feeling played a key role in his decision to commit to the Gamecocks on Friday morning.

“I just knew South Carolina was the place to be,” Thompson told On3. “I knew it’d be a great decision for me and my family. Having it be an in-state school, there are lots of opportunities that I could have at South Carolina. I could also become great at South Carolina and become a great player one day and reach my potential and go to the league. I knew South Carolina was the right decision to make.”

According to Thompson, it was fairly easy to choose South Carolina. One reason the 6-foot-6.5, 275-pound recruit cited was the chance to play for The Palmetto State.

Landing Thompson is significant for the Gamecocks’ 2024 class, and its in-state recruiting efforts. Head coach Shane Beamer and his staff now have pledges from the top three players in South Carolina this cycle: Thompson, Dorchester (S.C.) Woodland four-star offensive tackle Kam Pringle and Greenville (S.C.) four-star wide receiver Mazeo Bennett.

“It means a lot because I have family in South Carolina,” said Thompson, the No. 19 overall prospect and No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2024 On300. “Staying home at South Carolina, I’m able to represent my home state and also represent my family.”

South Carolina’s coaches helped seal Thompson’s pledge

Last season, South Carolina finished 8-5 and notched upset victories over Clemson and Tennessee. The Gamecocks’ upward trajectory in Beamer’s second season caught Thompson’s eye.

Thompson knows the Gamecocks are building something great for the future. The four-star is also confident that he, Pringle, Bennett, Cheshire (Conn.) Cheshire Academy four-star quarterback Dante Reno and others can help Beamer guide South Carolina toward a national championship.

“He can really see into the future with what he could do with us and what we can accomplish together,” Thompson said. “He knows what we can accomplish together if we’re playing together as a team to win more titles. He’s building something great in this class.”

Throughout his recruitment, Thompson has gotten to know Beamer well and finds it fun being around South Carolina’s head man. He also grew close with offensive line coach Lonnie Teasley.

Thompson has appreciated Teasley checking up on him and his family often, as well as preparing him for life as a college football player.

“He’s a coach that will definitely help me to reach my potential one day and become a great player,” Thompson said. “He’s a coach that will make me become someone great on and off the field, so that why I’m really confident playing for coach Teasley.”

Speaking with Beamer, Teasley and analyst Greg Adkins helped convince Thompson that South Carolina was the right place to continue his football career. Now, he is ready to play in front of thousands of fans at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturdays in the fall.

“The fanbase is amazing,” Thompson said. “Going to the games, the atmosphere is great. It’s wild, it’s fun.”