Swinney Confident True Freshman OL ‘Going to Help’ Clemson in 2024

This true freshman offensive lineman is a lock to see playing time for Clemson during the upcoming season, according to head coach Dabo Swinney.

Swinney said Elyjah Thurmon, a former four-star prospect who enrolled early in January, will certainly be a contributor this fall in his first year with the Tigers.

If Clemson stays healthy along the offensive line, the Tigers won’t need Thurmon in a starting role, but Swinney definitely expects the 6-foot-4, 310-pounder to provide depth up front in a reserve capacity.

“He’s going to help us,” Swinney said of Thurmon following Thursday’s scrimmage. “He’s a guy that for sure will play. He’s not a guy that we need to start hopefully, but we need him to be ready to play.”

Thurmon 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.

“Really proud of his development,” Swinney said. “He’s a guy that he’s athletic, he’s physical, he’s got some position versatility, he’s really smart.

“He’s been here since January as well, so he doesn’t look like a freshman. But he’s a guy that definitely for sure can be a depth guy for us as a freshman.”

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