Clemson Football: 5 defenders poised to breakout in 2020

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 28: Xavier Thomas #3 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates the play against the Ohio State Buckeyes dfirst half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

1. Xavier Thomas, DE

Xavier Thomas didn’t have the season Clemson football fans were hoping for as a sophomore.

Thomas was expected by many to be one of the top edge-rushers in the country coming into 2019, and that never really came to fruition.

He suffered injuries and spent time in the doghouse during the season and never really developed into that explosive option that we all were hoping to see.

That won’t be the case during his junior season.

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In my opinion, Thomas is going to be the single-best edge-rusher in the country and he’s going to have a huge season. Look for No. 3 on the edge during his “money year” to step up and reach that elite level.

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