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Xavier Thomas recruiting update as of Monday, February 20. Clemson and South Carolina continue to be the only focus for the five-star defensive end.

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It continues to be a two-team race for five-star defensive end Xavier Thomas. Thomas released a statement in December stating that he would either be committing to Clemson or South Carolina, the two Power Five programs in his home state, and that remains the case for Thomas in mid-February.

“Those are the two I’m still really focused on,” Thomas said on Sunday at The Opening Regional in Orlando, Florida.

For the No. 1-ranked recruit in the CI 25, the decision is about more than football. Academics will also play a large role in his commitment.

“That is a decision that I will make next year after following both schools’ athletic programs’ progress, [assessing] each school’s educational opportunities and, more importantly, after careful consideration of my family’s feedback,” he wrote in December when pairing his recruitment down to just the Tigers and Gamecocks.

Clemson can thank former South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier for opening the door with Thomas. Had Spurrier still been the man in charge in Columbia, the Gamecocks would have already secured his commitment.

“I’d have been committed if all that didn’t happen. That was my dream school.”

Now, Will Muschamp will have to convince Thomas that South Carolina is still the best option for him.

Muschamp, however, has his work cut out, as Clemson is considered to be the favorite to land him. The good news for Gamecocks fans is that he’s no stranger to recruiting battles of this magnitude, having successfully swayed many elite prospects who were thought to be leaning elsewhere throughout his coaching career.

MORE: Post-National Signing Day Top 25 College Football Rankings