Clemson defensive lineman injured in moped accident

Clemson is momentarily down another defensive lineman as Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables confirmed Thursday evening that freshman defensive end Xavier Kelly was injured in a wreck while driving his moped Wednesday night.

Clemson announced earlier this week that starting defensive end Austin Bryant will miss several weeks after breaking a bone in his foot. The hope is that Bryant will be able to return in time for the Sept. 22 game at Georgia Tech.

Kelly suffered only minor injuries and could return to practice next week. The true freshman is expected to add depth to Clemson’s defensive front.

“He wiped out, somebody ran right into him. We’re lucky he’s alive,” Venables said. “He got flipped, and got some scrapes and abrasions and banged his head, some stitches, I think, on his toe. He’s just very lucky, very fortunate.”

Venables said Kelly was not wearing a helmet. Although law does not require you to wear a helmet on a moped, Venables thinks that should change.

“I wish they’d put helmets on them. I think he’ll be ready pretty quick, but I’m just glad he’s OK,” he said. “We might have to have a Swinney law (requiring helmets). That might be coming.”

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 9:03 PM with the headline "Clemson defensive lineman injured in moped accident."