Army Family Lineman Carries Flag on Military Day in Clemson
Published October 18, 2026 at 5:23 am|By Dee M. Manuel, Staff Reporter
CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson offensive lineman Elyjah Thurmon led the Tigers down The Hill at Memorial Stadium on Saturday holding an American flag, the team’s salute for its yearly Military Appreciation Day.
The honor fit. Both of Thurmon’s parents served in the Army, and his family’s service goes back further, with a grandfather in the Army and a great-uncle in the Marines.
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His mother and father were recognized on the field during a first-half break, and the junior lineman joined them there with an arm around each.
Thurmon, who is from Rienzi, Mississippi, said a structured military household shaped how he grew up. He has thought about enlisting in the Army himself if football does not carry him further.
The day ended well on the scoreboard too, with Clemson beating Charleston Southern 37-0 to improve to 4-2.
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Dee is a staff reporter for HERE Clemson covering local news, community stories, and developments across Pickens County. Dee is committed to accurate, community-first journalism.
