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South Carolina’s Dylan Thompson confident ‘blessings’ will help Gamecocks

By Patrick Schmidt

Oct 26, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dylan Thompson (17) throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2013; Columbia, MO, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dylan Thompson (17) throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dylan Thompson has the tall order of succeeding Connor Shaw as the starting quarterback at South Carolina, but the Gamecocks veteran quarterback is prepared for the challenge of replacing one of the more underrated players in all of college football.

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The SEC will feature a number of new starting quarterbacks across the conference after Shaw, Aaron Murray, AJ McCarron, Johnny Manziel and Zach Mettenberger are in the NFL, but unlike the players replacing the latter four signal-callers, Thompson has a few starts under his belt, which he calls a blessing, according to NFL.com.

“It’s been a blessing to be able to be in some big games, some big moments. What’s valuable is road experience,” Thompson said at the Manning Passing Academy, where he’s among dozens of college quarterbacks working as camp counselors. “I’ve been fortunate to get Clemson on the road, UCF (on the road) last year. The Missouri (road win) was a big teaching point for me.”

Thompson’s previous experience should serve him well as he won’t be a wide-eyed rookie under center and playing in some hostile road environments shouldn’t rattle him as much when he steps out on the field for road dates at Auburn, Florida and rival Clemson, who he tossed 310 yards and three touchdowns against in a 2012 win.

I wrote this spring that Thompson can lead the Gamecocks to the SEC Championship, and one big reason is that he won’t have to do by himself. South Carolina arguably boasts the top offensive line in the SEC and a deep and talented group of running backs, led by Heisman Trophy candidate Mike Davis.

Thompson’s “blessings” could result in Steve Spurrier and South Carolina being blessed with a trip to the College Football Playoff.

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