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Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy five-star defensive end Xavier Thomas sent ripples through the recruiting world Saturday, catching many off-guard with a commitment to Clemson.

Thomas (6-3, 260), ranked No. 3 in the nation by Rivals.com, brought a half-dozen family members on his visit for the Tigers’ spring game to celebrate.

He spoke with TigerIllustrated.com shortly after the public disclosure to provide some details on the decision and where his recruitment goes from here.