Stewart and Thompson Named to On3.com True Freshman All-America Team

University of South Carolina Edge rusher Dylan Stewart and offensive tackle Josiah Thompson were named to the On3.com True Freshman All-America team, it was announced today. In addition, Stewart was selected as the Defensive True Freshman of the Year.

Here’s what On3.com said about each player:

Defensive True Freshman of the Year

EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

Dylan Stewart is the top true freshman pass-rusher that we’ve seen come through college football in recent memory. At 6 foot 6, 250 pounds, Stewart has elite athleticism and a budding pass-rush skill set. He was dominant off the edge as a true freshman, pairing with Kyle Kennard to give South Carolina arguably the top pass-rush duo in all of college football.

Stewart was highly disruptive and lived in opponents’ backfields. He generated 48 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s 21 more pressures than the next true freshman pass-rusher. Stewart looks to be one of the top overall young talents in college football entering next season. The former five-star-plus prospect is tracking to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft should he continue to play at this level. And with improvement he could be perhaps the top non-quarterback prospect in all of college football.

OL Josiah Thompson, South Carolina

A five-star prospect who ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2024 cycle for On3, Josiah Thompson was considered to be a high-upside, developmental talent at the position. Despite the belief that he could have benefited from a redshirt year and time to add weight, Thompson quickly added 30 to 35 pounds and was able to lock down the starting left tackle job at South Carolina.

While he’s had some baptism-by-fire moments while playing against elite competition in the SEC, Josiah Thompson has shown the type of high-end ability and potential that made him such a touted prospect. Thompson is on track to be a three- to four-year starter for the Gamecocks and is a big piece of Shane Beamer’s efforts to improve South Carolina’s line play heading into next season. Nice to have an All-American to build around.

Stewart, Thompson and the No. 13 (AP)/12 (Coaches) Gamecocks (9-3, 5-3 SEC) await their bowl destination, which will be announced on Sunday.