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Clemson football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2020

By Cody Williams

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 27: Defensive End Xavier Thomas #3 of the Clemson Tigers in action during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 27, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. The #2 Ranked Clemson Tigers defeated the Florida State Seminoles 59 to 10. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 27: Defensive End Xavier Thomas #3 of the Clemson Tigers in action during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on October 27, 2018 in Tallahassee, Florida. The #2 Ranked Clemson Tigers defeated the Florida State Seminoles 59 to 10. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Clemson football (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Clemson football breakout candidate No. 1: Xavier Thomas, DE

If you were looking at players who were set to break out for Clemson prior to last season, Xavier Thomas was among the guys listed. Everything was in line for the former 5-star recruit to have a huge season for the Tigers. Only, when it came time to put it into practice on the field, the results weren’t there for the defensive end.

Playing in 14 games as a true freshman in 2018, Thomas flashed his potential with 33 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, which is why there was so much hype around him heading into 2019. However, Thomas battled injuries throughout the year and was also ineffective when he did play. He finished the year with only 1.5 sacks and 8.0 tackles for loss in 12 games.

All things considered, Thomas should be healthy in the 2020 season, at least at the start, which sets the stage for him to be a star once again. The young man has the physical tools and skills to be an overwhelming force coming off of the edge defensively. He has the potential to win with either power or speed against most college tackles, making him a nightmare to contain.

Of course, Thomas breaking out hinges upon him realizing his potential and staying on the field. If those things happen, however, the Tigers will rely on him as their primary pass-rusher and playmaker on defense. And if those tools are legitimate, he’ll become the next standout along the Clemson defensive line.

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