Phil Mafah, Kobe Pace bring size, speed to Clemson offense

CLEMSON — Running back is a multi-dimensional position. Offenses need athletes that can run with power and make athletic plays in space.

After being a mostly one-man attack for the last couple of seasons, Clemson figures to take a more committee approach in 2021. There are a ton of players jockeying for playing time. Lyn-J Dixon could be the frontrunner, while five-star true freshman Will Shipley has created a lot of buzz. In the spring game, two others shined and proved this position battle is still wide open.

Kobe Pace is a 215-pound sophomore from Cedartown, Ga., who rushed for 75 yards as a true freshman. In the spring game, the second-year player posted a team-high 69 yards on six carries, with two attempts going at least 15 yards. The tailback brings a unique skill combination to the position.

“His running style is very unique,” running backs coach C.J. Spiller told the media during spring practice. “I guess if you want to compare him to somebody, you kind of say that Nick Chubb type. He’s a big back but he has speed as well; he has power. I’ve been very pleased with what he’s done so far here in the spring.”

Phil Mafah is a 215-pound true freshman that enrolled early for spring practice. The Loganville (Ga.) Grayson product rushed for 2,526 yards during his prep career while averaging 8.8 yards per attempt. In the spring game, the rookie rushed for 38 yards and the game-winning touchdown on six carries. The potential is obvious.

“He’s got a great combination of size and speed,” said offensive coordinator Tony Elliott on signing day. “Has sneaky speed. Is a guy that very rarely gets caught from behind. You’re talking about a young man that can run between the tackles at 220-plus pounds but then also has enough speed to take it the distance.”

Both Dixon and Shipley will provide speed and pass-catching ability to the offense. However, size and toughness are needed in between the tackles. The offense will need to move the chains on short-yardage situations, and Elliott could be hesitant to use the QB run game due to the lack of depth at the position. There is an avenue for playing time for both Mafah and Pace.

This spring, each showed an ability to grind out tough yards, but they are not one-trick ponies. Both backs have some acceleration and can create explosive plays on the ground. A committee approach is highly possible at running back this season and these two are a major reason why.