Clemson starting defensive end Xavier Thomas out against South Carolina

COLUMBIA -- Clemson was without starting defensive end Xavier Thomas for Saturday night’s regular-season finale, a 30-0 win against South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium.

Thomas was unavailable because of a hamstring injury that happened the previous week against Wake Forest. He had played in every game this season, nine starts, with 3.5 sacks and 5.5  tackles for loss among his 26 total tackles.

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"He tried," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "But on Wednesday night, he said he wasn't going to be able to go. We'll get him well (for a bowl game in December)."

Thomas is a graduate student who played in only seven games last year after struggling with COVID and complications early in the season. He is a former All-ACC player from Florence, South Carolina, and transferred from Wilson High School to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

"It was unfortunate that we didn't have XT tonight," Swinney said. "But I think he's given us great leadership all year. Really proud of him."

Meanwhile, Clemson wide receiver E.J. Williams (knee) also was listed as out for this game. He missed the home finale last week against Wake Forest. For the season, he has nine catches for 66 yards in eight games. The Tigers are already missing top receivers Justyn Ross, Joseph Ngata and Frank Ladson Jr. because of injuries.