Xavier Thomas calls being back on the field for Clemson 'pure joy'
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On returning to play against Boston College:
”It was killing me not being able to and just watching every week, but I just kept my head down, kept going to work. I really prepared the last three weeks like I was going to play, even though I wasn’t able to because I always thought I would. I didn’t think I would be able to against Boston College, so I was surprised, and it was a blessing to go back out there.”
On his injury:
”It was later on in the scrimmage, just a routine thing. I didn’t do anything differently. I just came around the edge and was bending around the corner, actually was about to sack D.J., and then I bent on it, and it just broke. I don’t really know why or how.”
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On playing just six snaps:
”Definitely fun. You love to rush the passer, so they gave me 3rd and long situations, so just went out there and played free. I knew I had to win my one-on-one matchup, so that’s just what I do.”
On if he is hesitant playing:
”It’s definitely a hesitation there, like a mental thing. Just getting back into the groove and being nervous about stepping the wrong way or something like that. So definitely hesitation there, but we’re getting over it.”
On emotions getting back onto the field:
“It was really just pure joy, just being able to run again. That was one of my most grateful things. When I was out there during warm-ups, it was just pure joy, a happy feeling just because of the fact I wasn’t able to run at all. That was my first live, competitive work in 2 months, so it was just a joy to be out there.”
On his perspective from the sideline:
”Just watching them go to work is what kept me uplifted and learning from a sideline perspective, seeing how the game flows. Obviously, I have a lot of experience playing, but seeing how the game flows from a sideline perspective and studying my matchups, and pretending like I’m out there. It helped a lot.”
On facing Florida State:
”It’s going to be fun, going down there with a night atmosphere I know it’s going to be fun. I grew up watching games like that. It’s going to be a fun atmosphere to play in. I would say it’s a small robbery over the course of the years that Florida State has been going on, and they’re a way better team now. (It’s) a lot of fun to go down there and play in that atmosphere.”