TyThunder
01-19-2005, 08:57 AM
Posted on Wed, Jan. 19, 2005
QB prospect commits to USC
By PATRICK OBLEY
Staff Writer
As a sophomore at Maryville (Tenn) High, Cade Thompson was dubbed “The Mute” by coaches for his reserved demeanor.
After compiling a 43-1 record and a pair of state titles, the 6-4, 180-pound Thompson plans to make plenty of noise for South Carolina this fall.
Following a whirlwind courtship capped by a “great visit” to the Columbia campus over the weekend, Tennessee’s consensus No. 1 quarterback switched his commitment from North Carolina to the Gamecocks.
“I guess it was just about a week and a half ago when they first contacted me,” Thompson said. “Sunday, we spent the whole day with Steve Spurrier. He took us out to dinner and personally showed us the facilities.”
Thompson said he was surprised to receive such personal treatment from Spurrier, who was on the wrong side of one of Thompson’s favorite football memories. A lifelong Tennessee fan, Thompson said he remembers where he was when Tennessee defeated Florida en route to its 1998 national championship.
“Yeah, that was probably one of my best memories,“ Thompson said. “I didn’t really like Florida because of Tennessee, but I never felt any particular way about coach Spurrier.”
Thompson completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards, 33 touchdowns and four interceptions this past season.
According to Thompson, Spurrier said the starting quarterback competition was “wide open” at USC and Thompson was expected to battle for the spot alongside fellow commitment Tommy Beecher and Gamecock veterans Syvelle Newton and Blake Mitchell.
Reach Obley at (803) 771-8473 or pobley@thestate.com
QB prospect commits to USC
By PATRICK OBLEY
Staff Writer
As a sophomore at Maryville (Tenn) High, Cade Thompson was dubbed “The Mute” by coaches for his reserved demeanor.
After compiling a 43-1 record and a pair of state titles, the 6-4, 180-pound Thompson plans to make plenty of noise for South Carolina this fall.
Following a whirlwind courtship capped by a “great visit” to the Columbia campus over the weekend, Tennessee’s consensus No. 1 quarterback switched his commitment from North Carolina to the Gamecocks.
“I guess it was just about a week and a half ago when they first contacted me,” Thompson said. “Sunday, we spent the whole day with Steve Spurrier. He took us out to dinner and personally showed us the facilities.”
Thompson said he was surprised to receive such personal treatment from Spurrier, who was on the wrong side of one of Thompson’s favorite football memories. A lifelong Tennessee fan, Thompson said he remembers where he was when Tennessee defeated Florida en route to its 1998 national championship.
“Yeah, that was probably one of my best memories,“ Thompson said. “I didn’t really like Florida because of Tennessee, but I never felt any particular way about coach Spurrier.”
Thompson completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards, 33 touchdowns and four interceptions this past season.
According to Thompson, Spurrier said the starting quarterback competition was “wide open” at USC and Thompson was expected to battle for the spot alongside fellow commitment Tommy Beecher and Gamecock veterans Syvelle Newton and Blake Mitchell.
Reach Obley at (803) 771-8473 or pobley@thestate.com