Tag: Xavier Thomas

Xavier Thomas: ‘Coach challenged the whole team on Monday. Everyone, all the way down to the people who cut the grass.’

Xavier Thomas on Dabo Swinney challenging everyone within the Clemson program.

The Clemson football program needed a win on Saturday, and it was to be no easy task with a tough Notre Dame team coming to Death Valley. A win is exactly what the Tigers got, as they played great football and took down the Fighting Irish 31-23 in front of their home crowd.

For a guy like Xavier Thomas, who returned for another year with the Tigers, a win like this had to feel good. Following the game, Thomas shared how head coach Dabo Swinney challenged not just the players but the entire program. 

“Coach challenged the whole team on Monday. Everyone, all the way down to the people who cut the grass. He’s challenged everybody in the building, so that’s what this team needed,” Thomas said. “It was really if you’re all in or you’re all out. That’s what it came down to…guys who were in the building, he just challenged them to be inside-out, and if you wanted to be here and you wanted to fight and compete, then come bring it every day.”

It looks like that challenge paid off, as the Tigers looked arguably the best they have all season. It wasn’t a perfect win, but it showed that this team is still capable of winning big games. 

Thomas was a huge part of the Tigers’ success, as the defensive line had a tough task against the Notre Dame offensive line. He, along with his teammates, stepped up and made the plays they needed to. 

“We had different personnel packages. We wanted to try to mix it up and confuse them a little bit, throwing some different things at them. We executed our plan very well,” Thomas said.

This defense has been strong all season, and this win was one they deserved. 

Clemson statistical leaders through eight games

Who scares you most on the Tigers?

This hasn’t been the season Clemson or any outsiders envisioned. While not everyone was anticipating another national championship, it’s doubtful anyone expected that by this point, the Tigers wouldn’t even been receiving votes in polls. A bowl isn’t out of the realm of possibility, but if November is a very bad month for the Tigers, it’s probable they’ll be watching bowl season at home. Talk about dropping off.

All of that said, there still is some talent on this Tigers team, especially on defense. If anything, these players are remnants of a time in the recent past when the Tigers were feared. Many might have picked Notre Dame to lose Saturday’s game at the start of the season, but that no longer is a certainty. This is why you play the games though: You never know what can happen.

Here are the Tigers most likely to have an impact when they face the Irish:

Swinney updates on Xavier Thomas following Clemson’s double OT loss to Miami

Dabo Swinney shared an update on Xavier Thomas following Clemson’s road loss against Miami.

Following Clemson’s 28-20 double-overtime road loss against Miami, Dabo Swinney shared an update on Xavier Thomas’ situation that caused him to miss the matchup.

Reports released before the game that Thomas found out Thursday that he would have to miss the Miami game as he was dealt a one-game suspension for violating team rules. Swinney had this to say when asked for an update on Thomas following the loss. 

“He was out. He had something pop up this part of the week,” Swinney said. “Had a violation of team rules, so he was out. He’ll be back Monday. Could’ve definitely used him, for sure. But he’ll be back Monday and ready to go against NC State.”

It was a bad game for Thomas to miss; Clemson could have used him on the edge in this loss. As Swinney mentioned, he will be back next week.

Clemson starting defensive end out against Miami

Clemson will be without a key starter against the Hurricanes.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are missing one of their top defenders for their matchup tonight on the road against Miami. 

According to reports, starting defensive end Xavier Thomas will miss the game against the Hurricanes for non-injury-related purposes. Per our friends over at the Clemson Insider, Thomas is serving a one-game suspension for violating team rules. The veteran is expected back next week. 

Clemson will likely be without two key defensive linemen, as it was reported earlier that freshman standout Peter Woods was seen in a walking boot. The Tigers have a tough one tonight as they face Miami tonight at 8 p.m. on ACC Network.

Grading Clemson’s defense at the halfway point of the season

Clemson’s defense has been near elite this season, grading out well.

Defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin and the Clemson defense have had a near-elite start to this 2023 season, with the unit looking like one of the best in the country through six games.

Clemson (4-2, 2-2 ACC) has had an up-and-down season, and two losses were not expected out of this team in the first half of the season. Even so, this Clemson defense has been this team’s most impressive and consistent part.

From veteran stars playing at a high level to freshmen bursting onto the scene and making a name for themselves, this unit has had some excellent performances. It is yet another top-tier defense from this program.

Here is a grade for each part of Clemson’s defense at the halfway point of this season.

Clemson’s Defensive X-Factor for Week 3 vs. FAU

Clemson needs to generate some pressure, and this pass rusher can do it.

Dabo Swinney and the Tigers head into their Week 3 matchup with Florida Atlantic with a lot on their minds as Florida State is just a week away, and the team needs to prepare for the big one. 

Even with that being true, you still need to take things one week at a time, and this week, the Tigers need to handle their business against FAU. It is a great opportunity for both the offense and defense to improve themselves and find consistency. 

For our defensive X-factor this week, Xavier Thomas was the first person that came to mind. Clemson’s defense has been solid to start this season, but the Tigers pass rush will need to turn things up for them to compete at a high level. 

That is where Thomas comes in. Clemson’s defense has two sacks through two games this season, with Thomas having one. The pass rush will be a significant key against FAU, averaging 35 pass attempts a game. The defense must create pressure if the Tigers want to dominate this matchup and set the tone for Week 4. 

No one on this team is more fit to get to the quarterback than Thomas, who will need to have a strong performance. 

Duke’s Graham Barton set for tough test against Clemson’s front seven

Duke OT Graham Barton set for tough test against Clemson’s front seven in a Monday night draft spotlight

The Labor Day Weekend slate of college football games comes to an end tonight with an ACC showdown between Clemson and Duke. 

A lot of eyes will be on Duke’s quarterback and how he fares against a Clemson defense that could have up to nine players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Duke’s Graham Barton will also have scouts flocking to Durham this fall. The Blue Devil left tackle will face a stern test right out of the gates against Clemson’s front seven, which is loaded with future players that will be playing on Sundays. 

Barton started five games at center during his first year at Duke. Over the past two seasons, Barton has started 25 games at left tackle and gave up two sacks during 13 starts last season. 

The versatile offensive lineman has excellent quickness and hits his marks out in space. He has quick feet and adequate functional strength. 

The 30-game starter will be in a battle all night against a Clemson front seven that boasts edge rusher Xavier Thomas, defensive tackles Tyler Davis, Ruke Orhorhoro, Payton Page, and linebackers Barrett Carter and Jermiah Trotter Jr.

Thomas enters his sixth and final season at Clemson with 29 tackles for loss and 15 sacks to his name. In three games last season, Thomas recorded two sacks in just three games last season as he missed time with an ankle injury. Thomas has a quick first step and showcases excellent burst to close on the quarterback. 

The duo of Davis and Orhorhoro both opted to return to school after initially accepting invites to the Senior Bowl. 

Davis finished last season with 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He explodes off the snap and collapses by driving offensive lineman back with his power. According to Pro Football Focus, Davis logged 36 pressures last season. 

Over the past two seasons, Orhorhoro has recorded 16 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. The Clemson defensive lineman is a terror for offensive lineman with his first-step quickness. He has powerful hands and is strong at the point of attack. 

Carter is a dynamic athlete with sideline-to-sideline range. He flies around the football field and has plus coverage skills, showcasing the ability to turn and run with tight ends and running backs. The Clemson linebacker finished last season with 73 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and eight pass deflections. 

Trotter Jr., the son of long-time NFL linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter has been around the game for a long time and it shows with his instincts. He’s quick to decipher the action in front of him and explodes downhill to thwart the action in the hole. He’s always in the right place and when he arrives at the ball carrier he delivers a thud. The Clemson linebacker finished last season with 89 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions and five pass deflections.

 

5 Clemson players to watch closely in Duke opener

Here are 5 Clemson players to keep an eye on when the Tigers take on Duke Monday night.

With roughly 24 hours before Clemson kicks off its 2023 season against Duke, there are several players who will have a spotlight on them in the Week 1 contest.

Between a new offensive coordinator, a new opening-day starting quarterback and several other changes from last season, Clemson is one of the most interesting teams to pay attention to this fall. And it all starts with Monday’s matchup.

Here are five Clemson players to watch closely when the Tigers take on the Blue Devils at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.

Life Under The Scope: Xavier Thomas

Can Xavier Thomas take advantage of an extra season in Death Valley?

After missing most of the 2022 season due to injury, Xavier Thomas returned for a sixth season in the program, taking advantage of the extra years the NCAA has been giving out since COVID-19 rocked the sports world in 2020.

Can we assume that he’ll be successful because he’s back? Injuries have been an issue for Thomas throughout his career, but he’s been striving to establish himself as a Day One edge rusher in the NFL Draft.

As a freshman, Thomas showed promise but had to wait behind the Power Rangers. He gained weight in his sophomore year to become the ideal NFL defensive end, but it affected his speed. COVID and strep throat also impacted his performance in 2020.

Nevertheless, he looked impressive in his limited playing time last season and even won Player of the Game against Boston College on only six snaps.

In 2022, Thomas was prepared for what he thought would be his last year playing for Orange. However, he experienced another setback when he broke his foot during preseason camp. Later in the year, he re-injured his foot during practice before the Notre Dame game. As a result, he had to undergo surgery and could not continue playing for the remainder of the season.

Thomas is one of the few players with preseason honors, and if he fulfills the high expectations, he could be an early first-round pick come next April.

Athlon Sports ranks Clemson with the No.2 defensive line in college football

Clemson’s defensive line is once again one of the best in the country heading into the 2023 season.

The Clemson football program has developed into one of the best in college football, and the thing they are known for the most is the stellar defensive lines they produce year after year. 

Heading into the 2023 season, this won’t be changing as the Tigers once again have a talented defensive line unit that remains one of the best in the country. According to Athlon Sports’ College Football’s Top 15 Defensive Lines for 2023, The Tigers D-Line ranks No.2 in the country. 

The Tigers continue to churn out elite talent up front and seemingly have an annual spot at or near the top of the defensive lines in college football. Bryan Bresee departed to the NFL, but the interior remains stout with Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis. True freshman Peter Woods is also expected to see significant snaps in the middle. Restocking the edge to replace K.J. Henry and Myles Murphy (10 combined sacks) is a priority in fall practice. But coach Dabo Swinney’s group isn’t hurting for talent here. Xavier Thomas looks to close out his career on a high note after battling injuries over the last couple of years. Senior Justin Mascoll is expected to man the other end spot.

Not only did the Tigers return talent, they brought talent into the program. Freshman Peter Woods, in particular, could have a monster year at defensive tackle. He is expected to be an immediate impact player for Wes Goodwin’s defense.
Another year, another strong Clemson defensive line.
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