Nov. 19, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Senior quarterback Dylan Thompson has been named one of three finalists for the annual Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award, presented by PremierPlayers.com. Named for the Sumter, S.C. native and 11-year NFL veteran, the Solomon award honors a college football player from the states of Florida or South Carolina who have impacted the lives of others through community service.

Joining Thompson as finalists are Kenneth Harper, running back for the Temple and Jordan Garside, a fullback from Wake Forest.

Thompson, a native of Boiling Springs, was nominated thanks to countless hours of work in the community from visits to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa, Fla. to service trips to El Salvador and Israel.

South Carolina Director of Life Skills and Community Outreach Erica Nelson said in Thompson’s nomination that “During my nearly five years at the University of South Carolina, I have not seen a student-athlete of Dylan’s stature more committed to giving back to the Columbia and surrounding communities. Whether it’s school, hospital or church visits, Dylan is extremely generous with his time and has used his platform as a student-athlete to give back and help inspire and motivate those coming behind him. He is humble, genuine and a man of God who I know will continue to give back and help others even after the lights have gone out on his career at USC.”

The award will be presented at Premier Players of College Football charitable awards dinner in Tampa, Fla. on Dec. 10.