After earning near-unanimous freshman All-America recognition as a reserve last season, Xavier Thomas might seem like a shoo-in for one of Clemson’s starting defensive end spots in 2019 now that its Power Rangers are gone.
However, head coach Dabo Swinney said after Monday’s practice there is no separation between the handful of D-ends vying for a starting role, adding that the situation likely won’t change until the season starts.
It’s a wide-open competition in fall camp, and Thomas knows nothing will be given to him just because of the success he had in 2018.
“Basically, as every other guy, we’re not entitled to anything,” he said Monday.