How Clemson RB Phil Mafah is making the most of his extra reps

Clemson has exactly one scholarship running back who is healthy on campus this spring in sophomore Phil Mafah.

Will Shipley and Kobe Pace are sidelined for the spring due to injuries, while signee Keith Adams Jr. won’t be on campus until this summer.

That leaves Mafah as option A, B and C for the Tigers.

At most position groups, Clemson is rotating different guys in with the first team this spring to try out different lineups and help them gain experience. But at running back, it’s been all Mafah.

“This has been really good for him,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said. “This is one of those silver linings with Kobe and Ship out. He’s had a chance to really lead the group, be the guy, have all the reps with the ones. It’s been really good.”

Mafah was the clear No. 3 back behind Shipley and Pace last season, and there were times when he had trouble getting on the field.

He played only two snaps against Wake Forest and four snaps against Iowa State late in the year.

But with what Clemson’s staff has seen from Mafah this spring, they won’t hesitate to give him opportunities come this fall, no matter the opponent or score.

“I’m telling you right now, that kid has been incredible,” offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter said. “I’ve got no reservations about putting him in the game at any time.”

Mafah was more of a goal-line back last season, used primarily in short-yardage situations. But he has displayed his all-around skillset so far this spring.

“That kid is explosive. He’s big. He’s physical. He’s smart. He understands the offense. He’ll protect. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s done a very, very good job,” Streeter said. “He’s such a quiet kid who just goes and works. He’s a pleasure to coach.”

Tigers emphasizing tempo

Clemson assistant Brandon Streeter made it clear when he was promoted to offensive coordinator in December that focusing on tempo would be an important change he wanted to implement.

We didn’t see the Tigers use much tempo in their bowl victory over Iowa State later that month, but that’s been a big harping point so far this spring.

Clemson doesn’t just want to play fast, though. The Tigers want to speed up when it makes sense to speed up and take things slow when that’s the better option.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is pleased with the progress his offense is making.

“Really a big emphasis on tempo and really being able to play and control the tempo like we want,” Swinney said. “It’s not just going fast. It’s being able to vary the tempo and understanding when and where and how to do that through our cadence. Just how we get the plays in, everything. So we’ve changed a few things up, but the tempo has been very good.”