CLEMSON – Xavier Thomas understands that he’s next in line as a game-changer at defensive end for Clemson, and he knows that the coaching staff and his younger teammates will be looking to him for leadership. He also understands he can’t force any of those roles and can only get where he wants to be through hard work.
Thomas is an explosive edge rusher who made an immediate impact as a reserve in 2018, earning near-unanimous Freshman All-American acclaim. Thomas played in all 15 games and was credited with 43 tackles (10.5 for loss), 3.5 sacks and two pass breakups in 304 snaps.