The Sponge: Clemson's freshman defensive end soaks up knowledge

When Clemson picked up the commitment of 5-star defensive end Xavier Thomas some people were very surprised. Nine months later, when Thomas signed with Clemson, it looked like a foregone conclusion that his opportunity to contribute as a freshman would be immense.

But in January, when Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant, and Clelin Ferrell all decided to return to Clemson it was bad news for opponents on the schedule, but not for Thomas.