ATH Bryce Thompson of Dutch Fork High School had hoped to play his college football football in the big time of the SEC. He committed to USC in December and also looked at Tennessee. Marshall also was a factor for awhile. Thompson held off on signing with anyone thru the two signing periods because he still had some academic work to accomplish.

As things have turned out, it does not appear at this time Thompson will be signed by USC for the 2018 class. He said Friday afternoon he planned to enroll at a local Columbia school and go from there.

“I plan on going to Benedict for a year or two then trying to find a good D2 college for me,” Thompson said.

However, later in the afternoon Thompson had a meeting with one of his coaches and informed us Friday evening he would not be enrolling at Benedict. He did not give further details then about his plans.

“He had some academic work to catch up on,” said Dutch Fork coach Tom Knotts. “He was set up at Dutch Fork. I mean, he’s got the classes that he can certainly do if he’ll do it, then he had to take two virtuals. It’s on him.”

Thompson was one of the state’s top prospects in 2017 rushing for 1368 yards and and catching 44 passes for 640 yards. He scored 38 total touchdowns. He also plays in the secondary and was recruited by the Gamecocks as a defensive back.