Defensive end Xavier Thomas and linebacker Mike Jones — two of the country’s top prospects and headlining members of Clemson’s 2018 class — are doing a diary with The Clemson Insider.
In the fourth installment of Straight talk with Mike Jones and Xavier Thomas, they discuss their recent visit to Clemson for the Auburn game, the de-commitment rumors surrounding Xavier and more:
On visit to Clemson for the Auburn game last weekend:
Mike: It was a great game, man. The fans were rocking, the defense was balling. It was just a great atmosphere. It really made me excited to be there in January. I can’t wait to come and learn under coach V. I watched some stuff they were going over in the film room all week, and I just can’t wait to get there and be a part of that special place.
Xavier: It was a great experience. That was my first time with the hill experience, going up there and hearing the fans, how excited the fans were. It was a great experience. Just envisioning myself playing defensive end in that stadium during those games is special.
On the impact of Hurricane Irma at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy and staying in South Carolina during the storm:
Mike: I was glad to see nothing terrible. Everything was better than what was expected. It’s good to know that we’re going to be able to come back out and play again this weekend. Everybody is safe, and I’m not going to lie, it was a good little break (in South Carolina). I enjoyed it.
Xavier: It was nice to see family. They said it didn’t hit as bad as it was supposed to. I think it went down to a Category 1, so everything’s good back there at IMG. At home, nothing really happened to me in South Carolina, so it was good and nice to see family.
On the de-commitment rumors around Xavier:
Mike: At first, I was like, what are they talking about? But I never really paid it much mind. That’s my boy. I know what’s going on with him, so it was just people talking like they always do and haters on the other side of the state. So, I wasn’t really paying too much mind to them.
Xavier: The only thing I have to address is Clemson fans don’t have anything to worry about. I’m All In.
On upcoming game against Miami Central:
Mike: Right now we’re 3-0, and we’re about to play a really good backfield with Miami Central. They’ve got James Cook (younger brother of Dalvin Cook) and they’ve got a good backfield, so I’m excited to keep doing what we’re doing and keep the streak, come out and play a great defensive game and let’s shut these boys out.
Xavier: These nationally televised games, you’re basically in the spotlight. You’re everybody’s Super Bowl games, and it’s fun to go out there and give it all that you’ve got against these great teams that we’re playing.
In case you missed it, here are the first three installments of TCI’s diary with Mike and Xavier: