Clemson defensive lineman Xavier Thomas is hoping to improve on what he called an “average” campaign in 2021.

Thomas told reporters on Monday he is aiming for “double-digit sacks” next season, via 247Sports’ Anna Hickey. Thomas had a career high 4.5 sacks in 2021 and has 13 for his career.

This will be his fifth season at Clemson — he chose to use his extra year of eligibility rather than declare for the NFL Draft. That decision surprised even Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.

“I guess because [Swinney] thought that I had the year that I wanted and he thought I was going to go to the next level,” Thomas added. “But that was an average year in my opinion. I know what I have in the tank.”

Thomas joins a loaded core of returning pass rushers, including Myles Murphy, Trenton Simpson, KJ Henry, Bryan Bresee and more. Clemson could have one of the top pass rushing units in the country next season.

Thomas is a former 5-star prospect. He was the No. 3 overall player in the class of 2018, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.

The Tigers are now nearly a week intro spring practice. Their spring game is scheduled for April 9.