Clemson offensive line enrollee Elyjah Thurmon is competing this week in the 2024 Polynesian Bowl.
“I think the most exciting thing is being able to play with some of the best guys all around the country and compete with them,” Thurmon said. “Some of the guys here I’ll play with (Clemson tight end signee Christian Bentancur and wide receiver enrollee Bryant Wesco) and against during my college career.
“It’s good to match up against guys I may have to go against and see their playing styles and motors.”
Dabo Swinney welcomed Thurmon and the other Clemson early enrollees earlier this month.
“It meant a lot to me (what Swinney said),” Thurmon said. “I think what I took away from it the most was how rather than being more focused on football, even though that is important to him, is growing young men to be men in society and get an education and graduate.”
Thurmon was asked if Clemson’s emphasis on academics and football over NIL is an asset to the program’s success.
“It makes guys more mature and be more focused on their goals,” Thurmon said. “So if guys are focused on their school work and not slacking off, then we’ve got guys that can be focused on what’s most important.”
Thumon spoke on Clemson’s 8-4 regular season that just wrapped up.
“I don’t say that we fell off,” Thurmon said. “But nobody is going to be perfect and have a streak for that long of a time. This past season we had some mental mistakes that caused us to come up short in a lot of games. This team is still hungry as ever. We still have a chance to be a national championship contender.”
247Sports described Thurmon as a potential “immediate impact” guy at Clemson following his recent impressive weeklong showing at the Under Armor All-America Game. Specifically, his ability to move and find leverage was on display against quality competition. He is expected to make a jump in the final edition of the 2024 rankings that is still to come.
Thurmon hopes to follow a strong week in Orlando with another impressing showing this week in Hawaii.
“I feel like I can make a great impact (at Clemson),” Thurmon said. “Me and the three other guys (guard/tackle Ronan O’Connell, tackle Mason Wade, and center Watson Young), added some depth to the offensive line room. With me, I’m able to play at all five positions as a swing man and move around.
“I think there’s some weight to add, but mostly some strength in a couple of lifts and whatnot. Besides that, I can work any position. They don’t care about height. Just about gaining strength in the right spots.”
247Sports lists Thurmon at 6-2 1/2, 285 pounds.
The Polynesian Bowl is Friday, Jan. 19 and will air on NFL Network at 9 p.m. ET (4 p.m. HT).
