Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney Explains Elyjah Thurmon's Absence
In a recent radio interview, Clemson's head coach, Dabo Swinney, revealed that sophomore offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon will undergo surgery this week, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This decision comes after Thurmon suffered a shoulder injury during practice before the UNC game on October 4th.
Swinney expressed his reluctance to shut Thurmon down, but emphasized the necessity of the surgery. He explained that Thurmon's shoulder has been 'slipping out,' preventing him from participating in games. Despite the setback, Swinney highlighted a positive outcome: Thurmon will redshirt this year, becoming a redshirt sophomore next season, thus retaining three years of eligibility.
Thurmon's absence from Clemson's lineup has been notable, as he missed the last four games, including the match against Georgia Tech on September 13th due to a different injury. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 325 pounds, Thurmon had a promising start to the 2025 season, playing 28 snaps in the opener against LSU and 51 snaps against Troy, contributing to the team's success.
Born in Mississippi and finishing his high school career in Georgia, Thurmon joined the Tigers in 2024, bringing valuable experience from his freshman season, where he played 146 snaps from scrimmage in eight games, with one start. His performance this year has been a testament to his dedication and skill, making his absence a significant loss for the team.
Despite the unfortunate news, Swinney's approach to Thurmon's recovery and the team's strategy moving forward is a testament to his leadership and commitment to the players' well-being.
