Blast From the Past: Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas Reunite on the Gridiron
College football fans were treated to a nostalgic moment this week as former five-star recruits Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas reunited during NFL minicamps, reminding everyone of the dynamic duo that once dominated headlines in South Carolina.
Burch and Thomas, both former defensive standouts with massive high school hype, played at rival SEC programs — Burch at South Carolina and Thomas at Clemson. Despite their different paths, the two shared similar trajectories: sky-high expectations, moments of brilliance, and injuries that slowed down their college careers. But now, both edge rushers are healthy, motivated, and — surprisingly — teammates once again.
The reunion happened in Seattle, where the Seahawks invited both players to their rookie minicamp roster. While Burch was selected in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Thomas joined the team as an undrafted free agent. Both are now battling for a spot on the depth chart, bringing energy and familiarity to a defensive unit in transition.
“It’s wild,” Burch said. “We were two of the most talked-about guys coming out of high school, and now we’re back on the same field. It’s like things came full circle.”
Thomas echoed the sentiment: “We’ve both been through ups and downs. To line up next to someone who gets it, who understands that grind, it’s special.”
The Seahawks coaching staff has taken notice, praising their work ethic and chemistry. Early reports from camp suggest both players are outperforming expectations and could become valuable rotational pieces on the defensive line.
While the future is still uncertain, one thing is clear: Jordan Burch and Xavier Thomas aren’t just chasing NFL dreams — they’re rewriting their story, together. And for fans who followed them from the beginning, it’s a reunion worth watching.