Father of Xavier Thomas details his son's recruitment

Thomas' heart has been with Clemson

by TigerNet Staff - Monday, September 18, 2017, 5:50 PM

Xavier Thomas - Defensive End
TigerNet: (5.00)

Height: 6-3 Weight: 260 Hometown: Bradenton, FL (IMG Academy HS) Class: 2018

ESPN:

#4 Overall, #2 DE, #1 FL

Rivals:

#5 Overall, #1 DE, #1 FL

24/7:

#4 Overall, #1 SDE, #1 FL

5-star defensive end Xavier Thomas has been a solid commitment to the defending champion Clemson football program since his commitment to Dabo Swinney and has even tried to sway potential teammates to TigerTown to join a stellar 2018 recruiting class.

Thomas' father Ezra posted his thoughts to Facebook on Monday afternoon to hopefully clarify his son's current recruiting situation since some decommitment rumors were floating around the Internet.

"ALL IN"

Over the past couple of weeks my son and I have been talking in depth about reopening his recruitment in order to conduct all five of his official visits. As a parent I believe that as a athlete of his stature and with so many options available to him. He is placing himself at a disadvantage by NOT taking advantage of his official visits. The only true way to know for a fact that Clemson is the BEST program for him is to visit the other college programs such as USC, Ohio State, Alabama and Florida State. Primarily because he has NOT visited some of these programs at all. Which sincerely concerns me. THEN and ONLY THEN should he make his decision based off of his own personal research and knowledge. NOT off what someone else is telling him.

YES! I have from day one encouraged him to remain in state and invest his all to our Home State of South Carolina. Hence his initial commitment to play in state for either our Gamecocks or the Clemson Tigers. BUT this is not about what I want nor will it ever be. I am simply striving to guide my Son in the best possible manner to ensure that he is absolutely certain about his decisions and achieves the greatest possible results through those decisions. Also that he is making those decisions based off of factual information and NOT a recruiting sale pitch.

Za, has made it passionately clear that his heart is with Clemson and that he IS very much "ALL IN". His willingness to still do the official visits at my desire speaks volumes to me of his character and the strength of his resolve. He may decide to respect my concerns and still take advantage of his official visits. But I will not ask that of him nor demand it of him. He and I have agreed that he will not be decommiting his verbal commitment from Clemson. There is no doubt in my heart nor mind about his commitment to play at Clemson and I will support that commitment completely without any complaint.

Therefore, I will carry the responsibility for all of the controversy regarding my Son's verbal commitment and his recruitment status. He is a great kid only doing what he has been told by his parents. Thank you. God Bless!