Xavier Thomas: Venables says freshman is "disruptive" and has good work ethic

Xavier Thomas: Venables says freshman is "disruptive" and has good work ethic

Thomas is a disruptive force on defenseCLEMSON – Brent Venables smiles and says that Vic Beasley has the best first step he’s ever seen from a defensive end, but Xavier Thomas is close. Albert Huggins thinks Thomas has the same first step as Kevin Dodd. Both agree that Thomas is a physical freak.

Thomas, the true freshman out of Florence, arrived on campus last January with a reputation as one of the nation’s best high school players. Thomas was rated the No. 3 player in the nation by 247Sports, No. 4 player by ESPN and No. 5 player by PrepStars and Rivals. Thomas was the No. 1 defensive end in the nation by…