Five-star Wilson (Florence, S.C.) DE Xavier Thomas is going to play college football in the Palmetto State, having narrowed down his recruitment to Clemson and South Carolina. A change to the Tigers’ staff could give the Gamecocks’ an advantage in landing the 2018 prospect.

Clemson co-defensive coordinator Marion Hobby was announced as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new defensive line coach, and Thomas appears to have been caught off guard. (Thomas has since deleted the tweet)

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Hobby was not Thomas’ primary Clemson recruiter, but as a defensive line coach he was involved in trying to the sign the 5-star defensive end. Considering Thomas is a 2018 prospect, the Tigers have time to address his concerns, but South Carolina’s staff will certainly use the situation to their advantage. The Tigers will be reshaping their approach at defensive line with the departure of Hobby and retirement of long-time defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks.

Thomas is rated the No. 2 overall prospect of the 2018 class by the 247Sports Composite. His highlights can be viewed below: