Going out on a high note is always the goal and Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas did just that in the Tigers’ Gator Bowl victory.

Thomas was the one to light the fuse on the chaos late in the win over Kentucky with a strip sack that was a domino effect into 42 points scored in the fourth quarter. That was one of three takeaways in that final period and Thomas knew he and the defense needed to create the momentum.

“We knew we had to create that spark and obviously I sparked it off with the forced fumble and Barrett (Carter) came back with that pick and then Khalil (Barnes) came back with that forced fumble so we definitely sparked it off and we knew we had to go get some takeaways and leading into this game, that’s what we were saying,” Thomas said.

Looking specifically at Thomas’ performance, he was the highest graded Clemson defender according to PFF with a 92.6. That is also his season-high.

Thomas made a home in the Wildcats’ backfield, even as the holding calls continued to never be made for the Tigers’ pass rusher. It didn’t matter as he had five pressures over 26 pass rush snaps and made that momentum-flipping play.

As he turns his focus to preparing for the NFL, it would be hard to top Thomas’ final game tape to show to professional coaches. It’s also no time wasted, and Thomas said he’s flying out Sunday to begin his training in Phoenix.

While injuries kept him from likely reaching his full potential in college, these types of performances are what will propel Thomas in the NFL and he had a big smile on his face talking about it.

“I’m very excited. Very excited,” Thomas said.

Thomas’ Clemson journey was a storied one, and now everything flips to the pros and he fits the billing of a NFL defensive end. Playing a full season adds to the stock for the Tigers’ defensive standout and he made sure to leave on a perfect note.