Xavier Thomas is one of the most highly coveted football prospects in the Class of 2018 and his recruitment is being monitored from coast to coast as a result. Thomas, who ranks as the No. 2 overall player nationally, revealed over the weekend that South Carolina is his "dream school" and, while that surprised many people, the talented defensive end hasn't stopped there in discussing the Gamecocks.
On Monday, Thomas spoke with SB Nation regarding his recruitment and he indicated that there was a hold-up in his decision-making process. That hiccup? South Carolina parting ways with Steve Spurrier.
"I would have been committed, if all that wouldn't had happened. That was my dream school. But they went down in a ditch and coach (Will) Muschamp's trying to bring it back up, so I'm looking to see what they're doing."
Thomas is set to play at IMG Academy (Fla.) for his senior season in high school, but the five-star defensive end hails from Florence, S.C. and that is a window into his thought process. Programs like Clemson and Alabama (among others) are definitely in the mix with regard to landing Thomas for 2018 and beyond, but South Carolina's position as a legitimate contender seems to be cemented right now.
It isn't every day that the Gamecocks have a path to contention for an uber-elite prospect in the Jadeveon Clowney mold but, if Will Muschamp and his staff can pull things together, the partnership has a chance.
