Linebacker newcomer cleared for lifting, will be counted on

When healthy, South Carolina junior college transfer linebacker Eldridge Thompson is a tackling machine.

Thompson led Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College in tackles with 102 in 11 games before a shoulder injury cut short his 2016 campaign.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder who enrolled at South Carolina this month is getting close to the end of the rehab process, head coach Will Muschamp said Thursday.

"He's been cleared [for lifting]," Muschamp said. "He had the shoulder [injury]. He did a really nice job of rehabbing it when he was in Houston, but he's been cleared to do everything. He wouldn't be cleared for contact right now, but that's not until August. He'll be ready to go in August. He's been cleared for full lifting."

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Thompson, who played safety and wide receiver in high school before transitioning to linebacker while redshirting his first season at Coffeyville, impressed the South Carolina coaches during a camp workout last summer.

Impressed by his initial speed and stats, the staff put him through a complete workout before he ultimately earned an offer and committed to the Gamecocks.

"He jumped out of the gym, ran really well, and showed great ball skills," linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler said this spring. "He shows on his tape at Coffeyville, playing with his hands, playing physical, playing at the point of attack, doing the things we expect linebackers to do, so I think the sky is the limit with him. Gotta get him healthy and get him going."

Thompson, who posted a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and vertical jumped 37.5 inches at camp, will be counted on for South Carolina this year, especially considering their linebacker situation.

"He's a guy that can really play in space," Muschamp said. "He needs to play; we only have three scholarship guys [at linebacker] coming out of spring. He's going to have to contribute. Those young guys better get ready. We told them in the recruiting process -- we weren't lying -- they're going to have to play."