Xavier Thomas

Xavier Thomas was one of the highest ranked players in his recruiting class of 2018. 247Sports had him rated as the no. 3 overall prospect in the nation and the no. 1 defensive end overall. He played 3 seasons at Wilson High School in South Carolina before transferring to the IMG Academy in Florida. He helped IMG to a 9-0 record and no. 2 national ranking with MaxPreps during his senior season. After being named a USA Today National Defensive Player of the Year finalist, he was invited to Nike’s the Opening in 2017. Thomas selected the University of Clemson over several other scholarship offers. Thomas wasted no time once he got to Clemson and became a big contributor to a dominating Tigers' defense. He played in all 15 games in a backup rotational role and collected 43 tackles, 10.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks. He was named a consensus first-team Freshman All-American after his productive campaign. In 2020, Thomas initially intended to play only 4 games and redshirt after complications with Covid-19 and strep throat, but ended up playing 7 games upon the NCAA’s blanket of eligibility waiver for 2020. In 2021, Thomas played 12 games, including 10 starts and was named 3rd Team All-ACC. He tallied 27 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 3 sacks. During the 2022 season, Thomas was limited to only 3 games due to a foot injury. He was off to a productive start before the injury and had 4 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble for Clemson. This season, Thomas made 12 starts for Clemson and showed no ill effects from the foot injury, collecting 25 tackles, 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble for the Tigers.