Xavier Thomas: An Electric Debut
Clemson fans have long awaited the debut of defensive end Xavier Thomas and saw an exhilarating start for his 2022 campaign.
In six snaps alone, Thomas recorded two sacks, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hit. It was enough to not only earn the Leather Helmet Award, which is awarded to the game MVP within the Clemson-Boston College rivalry but collect an ACC defensive player of the week award.
XT’s career has been defined by hardship, overcoming every obstacle thrown his way. Xavier has had battles with COVID, weight loss, and more. As one of the top players in the nation, Thomas put the country on notice in 2018 with an incredible freshman year that would have him earn freshman All-American honors. Thomas also had one of college football’s more memorable moments in the last five years, with a devasting hit on Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungy that sealed a comeback victory over the Orange. The Tigers would carry that momentum and turn it into an undefeated national championship season in which they crushed Alabama to win their third title in program history.
Going into the 2022 season, this was supposed to be the year for Xavier where he would put it all together; however, an injury during fall camp sidelined him until the Boston College game. Xavier initially believed his season was over, but some good luck was thrown his way. With what is essentially a second chance to make this season a special one, Thomas has put on a show in the most electric way possible.
XT has put the country back on notice and looks to stay consistent as the Tigers gear up for a trip to Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles.
