Clemson’s RB Room Quietly Becoming One of Nation’s Deepest, Says Swinney

Clemson football has long been known for its high-octane offense, producing some of the most talented skill players in college football. From Deshaun Watson to Travis Etienne, the Tigers have had no shortage of dynamic offensive playmakers. However, as the team continues to develop under head coach Dabo Swinney, one area that is quietly becoming one of the deepest and most talented on the roster is the running back position. With a mix of experienced veterans and exciting young prospects, Clemson’s running back room is fast becoming one of the most formidable in the nation.

This transformation has not gone unnoticed by Swinney, who recently praised the depth and potential of his running back group. “Our running back room is quietly becoming one of the deepest and most talented in the country,” Swinney said. “We’ve got some guys in there who are hungry, talented, and ready to contribute, and I’m excited about what the future holds.”

For Clemson, a team known for its potent offensive attack, having a strong running back corps is paramount to keeping defenses on their toes. With the offensive line shaping up to be one of the team’s strengths in 2025, the running backs are poised to be a key part of the Tigers’ offensive game plan moving forward. Let’s take a closer look at the players who are helping make Clemson’s running back room one of the best in college football.

The Return of Will Shipley

At the top of the depth chart is Will Shipley, Clemson’s feature back and one of the top returning running backs in the nation. Shipley is coming off a fantastic 2024 season where he rushed for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. His ability to create big plays with both his speed and power makes him a dual threat out of the backfield. He’s a player who can take the handoff and break off long runs, but also catch passes out of the backfield and make an impact as a receiver.

Shipley has become the focal point of Clemson’s offense, and for good reason. His vision, patience, and burst through the line of scrimmage have made him a force for the Tigers. But what sets Shipley apart is his consistency. Whether it’s breaking a big run or picking up tough yards on third down, Shipley has the ability to do it all. He’s one of the most complete running backs in college football, and his leadership in the locker room is invaluable to the younger players looking to make their mark.

With another year under his belt, Shipley is poised to take his game to the next level in 2025. Swinney has expressed confidence that Shipley will be a key player in the team’s push for another ACC title and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff. The veteran running back is set to be a cornerstone of Clemson’s offensive attack, and his ability to stay healthy and produce consistently will be crucial to the Tigers’ success this season.

The Rise of Phil Mafah

While Shipley is the clear leader of the running back room, he is not the only talented back in Clemson’s stable. Phil Mafah, a 6-foot, 230-pound bruiser, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Tigertown. Mafah, who has been a key contributor in a backup role over the past two seasons, is looking to take the next step in 2025. With his combination of size, speed, and physicality, Mafah provides a nice complement to Shipley in the backfield.

Mafah has the ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles, making him a valuable weapon in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His vision and ability to read the defense make him a dangerous back when given the opportunity to tote the ball. In 2024, Mafah rushed for 600 yards and scored 7 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a reliable contributor when called upon. As he continues to develop, Mafah’s role in Clemson’s offense will likely expand, especially in situations where the Tigers need a more physical presence in the backfield.

The Freshman Sensation: Jarvis Green

While Shipley and Mafah are the veterans leading the way, the future of Clemson’s running back room looks even brighter with the arrival of true freshman Jarvis Green. Green, a 5-star recruit from Georgia, was one of the most highly touted running back prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. His combination of speed, agility, and elusiveness makes him an ideal fit for Clemson’s fast-paced offense.

Green has been turning heads in spring practices, impressing coaches and teammates with his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His ability to change direction quickly and accelerate has made him a threat to break off big plays at any moment. Despite being a freshman, Green is already showing signs that he can contribute immediately and be a key part of Clemson’s rotation at running back.

Swinney has been effusive in his praise of Green, calling him one of the most explosive backs the team has seen in recent years. “Jarvis is a special talent,” Swinney said. “He has the ability to make a difference every time he touches the ball. We’re excited to see what he can do as he gets more opportunities.”

With his playmaking ability and strong work ethic, Green has the potential to become a star at Clemson, and his development will be key to the Tigers’ success in the coming years.

Depth and Versatility: A Key Strength

What truly sets Clemson’s running back room apart from others in the nation is the depth and versatility it possesses. In addition to Shipley, Mafah, and Green, the Tigers have several other talented running backs who can contribute in a variety of ways.

Mafa’s younger brother, Le’Veon, is another player to watch. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound sophomore has the size and skill set to be a powerful runner between the tackles, but he also has the agility to make defenders miss in the open field. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in Clemson’s offensive scheme, and he could see more playing time in 2025.

Additionally, Clemson has several other talented running backs on the roster who could play important roles this season. Guys like Kobe Pace, who has shown flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons, and walk-on players like Jason S. Alexander, could provide quality depth and be called upon to make plays when needed.

The versatility of Clemson’s running back room is a huge advantage for the Tigers. Whether it’s using a back like Shipley to break off big plays, leaning on Mafah’s physicality in short-yardage situations, or utilizing Green’s speed in the open field, Clemson has the tools to attack defenses in multiple ways. With so many talented players, the Tigers will be able to keep fresh legs in the game throughout the course of a 60-minute contest, making it difficult for opposing defenses to keep up.

Swinney’s Vision for the Running Back Room

For Swinney, the growth of Clemson’s running back room is a product of the program’s emphasis on recruiting top-tier talent and developing players to reach their full potential. The Tigers have consistently recruited well at the running back position, and the 2025 season looks to be the culmination of years of hard work in that area.

Swinney believes that his running back room is now one of the best in the country because of the depth, skill, and versatility of the players in it. “When you have depth at the running back position, it’s a huge advantage,” Swinney said. “You can keep guys fresh, and you can attack defenses from all angles. We’ve got a great group of backs, and I’m excited to see how they continue to develop and help us win games.”

As the 2025 season approaches, it’s clear that Clemson’s running back room will be a key part of the team’s offensive success. With Shipley leading the way and a talented group of backs ready to contribute, the Tigers have one of the most dangerous running back units in college football. Whether they’re breaking off big runs, catching passes out of the backfield, or protecting the quarterback, Clemson’s running backs will be integral to the team’s pursuit of another ACC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

As Swinney continues to develop his running back corps, the future looks bright for Clemson football. With a deep, talented, and versatile group of backs, the Tigers are poised to remain one of the nation’s top teams for years to come.