Ashton Thompson is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound Class of 2027 offensive tackle from A.C. Flora High School in Columbia, SC who will enter his junior season under Midlands Friday Night Lights next fall with a point to prove with recruiters and coaches across the country.
The underrated, intriguing prospect has already collected a trio of offers from big-name Power Four pair Kentucky and Syracuse along with MAC Group of Five standout Miami (Ohio) early in the offseason.
He discussed those offers and big plans for 2025 in an exclusive with PalmettoPreps co-owner Lee Wardlaw. Here is everything Thompson had to say.
“I was really excited because that is my first SEC offer. I always know there is more work to be done, but I was just really excited for my family and I,” he said of his offer from Kentucky.
Thompson was able to hear of the news via a phone call from Wildcats’ defensive backs’ coach Chris Collins. "He was basically just telling me how he likes my film and talking about how he wants to me to get out there to watch a game. He offered me and just told me I had a scholarship, and that means a lot,” he said.
The offensive lineman likes what he sees in the Wildcats’ assistant as a coach and as a person. “I think he’s a pretty straight up dude. He knows what he’s talking about, and he gave me an (opportunity) at a really young age. And I respect that,” Thompson said.
He was also hyped up about his offer from Syracuse— and had respect points to give to Miami (Ohio) for coming out to see him in person and get a better feel for how he operates as a player. “I really like Syracuse and the state of New York. That’s a good place to experience. I would want to experience living in New York,” he said.
Thompson heard of his Orange offer via a phone call with offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon on Feb. 6. “He was just telling me how he liked my film and asking me questions about what I know about Syracuse and things. (Nixon) offered me after basketball practice. It was pretty lit,” he said.
The Orange and Wildcats jumped into the fray for with a pair of offers at the start of Feb. but it was Miami of Ohio who originally came into the mix and jump-started his FBS recruitment on Jan. 29 when Redhawks’ tight ends coach Andy Cruse came to a camp at Rabun-Gap Nacoochee School (GA) visit Thompson and scout his talents in-person during the open period that initially sparked his recruitment.
This is something Thompson continues to respect. “They came down to see me in person and see what I can really do. They really liked what they saw, so they offered me in person,” Thompson said.
In his exclusive with Palmetto Preps co-owner Lee Wardlaw, Thompson went into more detail about how the Redhawks’ assistant saw his traits as standout abilities. “He said I was long and athletic but that I just have to get stronger. (Cruse) just said I was an athlete for the position,” he said.
Thompson has big plans for next fall under Palmetto State Friday Night Lights. “I’m really looking forward to dominance this year. Just imposing my will on anyone and everyone who stands in front of me. Just to show the world who I am as a football player. So, basically, the motto this year is ‘don’t take any prisoners,’ and ‘just be nasty out there,” he said.
FILM:
Thompson already has Power Four size for the position with two years remaining of high school ball that he can build on.
The even better news is that he is already a physical, exciting player for his age. Thompson plays drives with his feet, pushes forward and uses his arms like barriers. He is also athletic and active with his hands.
He gets quickly off the line of scrimmage, grappling with defenders with a violent, barreling side-to-side motion with body and arms in sync.
Thompson does well while running down the field, setting blocks and demonstrating peripheral vision while showing off his speed, which is another good trait for the position.
He also sets a good perimeter around the quarterback.
Thompson still has several traits to improve, on but he will be an exciting prospect to watch in the coming years. Power Four and FBS programs are beginning to recognize this.
