Clemson has had plenty of talented defensive ends in the past who were late bloomers. Vic Beasley, Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd, Andre Branch, Da’Quan Bowers and Gaines Adams come to mind.
And though they were all late bloomers, by the time their third year rolled around the proverbial light bulb came on. By the end of their senior year, they all became All-Americans and/or first- or second-round draft picks for the NFL.
Is this the year it all comes together for Xavier Thomas?
Next to Bowers, Thomas came in with one of the best set of credentials in Clemson history.