Dillon High School offensive tackle Josiah Thompson was honored as South Carolina’s Mr. Football during the halftime of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives All-Star Game.
Photo by Travis Bell
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – In a significant milestone for Dillon High School, offensive tackle Josiah Thompson has been honored as the 2023 S.C. Mr. Football. The announcement came during the halftime of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives All-Star Game on Saturday. This accolade continues a proud tradition for future University of South Carolina players, coming on the heels of Xzavier McLeod’s award last year.
Thompson, known for his exceptional skill and humility, has made history as Dillon’s first player and only the second offensive lineman, after Daniel’s Kyle Young in 1996, to receive the award since its inception in 1995. His achievement also includes a personal connection, with Young's son, Watson, being named a finalist this year.
“It means a lot and it’s an honor to be one of the few who have won Mr. Football,” Thompson reflected. “As well as being the second offensive lineman to win the award, maybe start something great for offensive lineman in the future. I’m very grateful to win this award.”
Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 275 pounds, Thompson has earned a five-star prospect rating from both 247Sports and On3, and is ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the country for the Class of 2024 by On3.
Dillon coach Kelvin Roller praised Thompson, “He’s such a skilled big guy. He just is a terrific kid that exemplifies what you want in a student-athlete.”
Thompson is set to play alongside Blake Franks in the upcoming Shrine Bowl and Kam Pringle in the Under Armour game, forming what fans have nicknamed the “Great Wall of Carolina.”
Following these events, Thompson plans to enroll in winter classes at USC, eager to continue his development both on and off the field.
Thompson was among five finalists for the award, a group including Hampton County’s Zion Dobson, Hillcrest’s Avery McFadden, Northwestern’s Turbo Richard and Daniel’s Watson Young, each distinguished in their own right.
Editor’s note: South Carolina’s electric cooperatives are the primary sponsors of the Mr. Football award. The South Carolina Athletics Coaches Association organizes the event and is responsible for the selection of South Carolina’s Mr. Football award.