During fall camp, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said true freshman offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon — a former four-star prospect who enrolled early in January — will definitely see playing time for the Tigers this season and be a contributor this fall in his first year with the Tigers.
On Monday night, during the “Tiger Sports Hour” radio show on WCCP 105.5 FM The Roar , Swinney reiterated that Thurmon is “going to help” Clemson up front on the offensive line in 2024.
“He’s really made himself a viable guy for us,” Swinney said. “I mean, this is the No. 1 team in the country we’re getting ready to play, so this is a big chore for him. But he’s going to help us. He’s going to help us. The game’s not too big for him. He really is a smart kid. He can play multiple positions. He can play tackle, guard. He’s got a very high football IQ. He’s very athletic. He’s physical. So, he’s a guy that we’re really, really excited about, and knocked it out of the park with him in the recruiting process.”
But Thurmon isn’t the only true freshman offensive lineman that Swinney expects to eventually help the Tigers this season.
Swinney also mentioned that Mason Wade — who, like Thurmon, enrolled early in January — is close to being able to contribute this season after making a leap forward of late.
“I’d say Mason Wade is close,” Swinney said. “Mason Wade has made a jump these last couple of weeks and is really coming on and being a good depth guy for us.”
“But Elyjah is a kid that you’re going to see play a good bit throughout the year,” Swinney added.
Listed at 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Wade was a two-time all-district and all-region honoree, earning selections in each of his final two seasons at Loudoun Valley High School in Virginia. He was a four-year starter at left tackle who was a two-time team captain (2022-23) and named as the team’s MVP as a senior in 2023, while he finished his prep career as the school’s all-time record holder in the bench press, clean and three-cone drill.
Wade, who averaged double-digit pancakes per game as a senior, was ranked among the top 15 prospects in the state of Virginia according to multiple recruiting services. He committed to Clemson during the early signing period last December after initially committing to Duke.
As for Thurmon, the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder joined the Tigers following his senior season at Bradwell (Ga.) Institute in 2023, when he was credited with 51 pancakes/takedowns while allowing only four hurries.
An Under Armour All-America Game and Polynesian Bowl selection in football, Thurmon also competed in basketball and track and field in high school.
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
Local News
Comments / 0