Why military day meant so much to Clemson OL who led Tigers down The Hill with American flag

CLEMSON — Clemson football's game vs. Charleston Southern was a special day for offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon.

The Tigers (4-2) defeated the Buccaneers (3-4) on their annual Military Appreciation Day 37-0. Thurmon, who comes from a military family, got to carry an American flag and lead Clemson down The Hill at Memorial Stadium to mark the occasion.

Thurmon's parents, Tammie Williams and Earnest Thurmon, are U.S. Army veterans. Thurmon's grandfather, Walter Williams, and great-uncle, David Harris, served in the Army and the Marines, respectively. Thurmon's parents were honored on the field during the first quarter, and Thurmon got to stand alongside them.

Thurmon said he was full of excitement throughout game day.

"I can't explain how happy I was," Thurmon said. "Once I got off the bus and stood in front of the entire crowd on The Hill with the flag in my hand, I kinda blacked out for a second. I was so happy."

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Thurmon said being in a military family, and the strict structure that comes with it, has shaped his entire life. Thurmon is even thinking about joining the Army if his days playing football end soon.

"Once my career ends, if anything else doesn't work out, go serve," said Thurmon, who is a junior. "It wouldn't hurt."

Vic Burley earns first big moment since suspension

Oct. 17 was also a big day for defensive tackle Vic Burley, who earned his first full sack as a Tiger in the fourth quarter against Charleston Southern.

Burley was suspended for the first two games of the season by Clemson coach Dabo Swinney after being arrested and charged with public disorderly conduct on Aug. 22. Swinney reinstated Burley ahead of the North Carolina game on Sept. 19, but he's played sparingly, as Swinney thinks Burley fell behind on conditioning.

The Charleston Southern game was the most Burley has played since coming back. He said he's glad that Swinney and his teammates have accepted him back.

"I learned not to take things for granted," Burley said of what he learned during his suspension. "I mean, I didn't really take it for granted, but just watching the game that I love being stripped away from me, and not being able to do it, just gives you a new appreciation for the game."

Chris Johnson Jr. scores first Clemson touchdowns

There was much interest in running back Chris Johnson Jr. when he transferred from SMU. However, he only rushed for 107 yards in Clemson's first five games.

Johnson had 34 rushing yards against the Buccaneers, but he did score his first two Clemson touchdowns. One was a 6-yard rush in the first quarter for the Tigers' first touchdown, and another was a 2-yard rush in the second quarter.

"I think that's a good start," Johnson said. "We still got a long stretch to go, so that was a good thing."

Nick Coppola covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA Today Network. Email him at ncoppola@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @Nick_Coppola__ and like his Facebook page at Nick Coppola, Clemson Sports .