We have already seen top NFL prospects like Micah Parsons, and Rashod Bateman choose to opt out of the 2020-21 college football season, and prepare for the NFL Draft. That list continues to grow with yet another highly touted prospect has chose to sit out this season. Xavier Thomas has just announced that he will be redshirting this season to recover from COVID-19 and strep throat.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said Thomas hadn’t been able to work out like he needed during the pandemic due to his illnesses he contracted. He had reportedly gained 10-12 pounds, and was obviously nowhere near in football shape.
While it looks like Thomas will be staying with the university, this is still a major blow to the Clemson Tiger’s defense. Xavier Thomas is one of the Tigers most impactful defensive linemen on the roster and was expected to be a 1st round selection in this year’s NFL draft.
“We are actually holding him out for medical reasons…treating him, you know like an injury”
Thomas was the top rated defensive end in the Class of 2018, and the 3rd overall prospect for the class. Only Trevor Lawrence, Dexter Lawrence, and Da’Quan Bowers were higher rated prospects in Clemson’s school history.
After losing Justyn Ross back in June, the Tigers will now be without two of their best play makers on the team. Last season Xavier Thomas finished third team All-ACC and finished the year with 31 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and two sacks.
