Clemson RB Will Shipley makes history on and off the field

Will Shipley had a great sophomore season for Clemson, finishing with 1,182 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

The North Carolina native made history, becoming the first player in ACC history to earn first-team all-conference honors at three different positions.

Shipley earned all-ACC honors as a running back, all-purpose player and specialist.

He was also Clemson’s fourth-leading receiver on the team and had 1,748 all purpose yards, nearly 1,000 more than anyone else on the team.

Shipley didn’t just have a great year on the field, though. He also excelled away from the field.

Shipley earned academic All-American honors, becoming the first Clemson player in a decade to do so.

Former Clemson offensive lineman Dalton Freeman had been Clemson’s most recent academic All-American, earning the honor in 2012.

“That’s only the second time that I’ve had a guy. He’s the first running back ever at Clemson to do that. My first one and my last one was 2012, Dalton Freeman,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “So I think you’ve gotta have a 3.5 just to even be in the conversation, and then you’ve gotta be a great player.”

Shipley qualified in both aspects with his performance on and off the field this past season.

He will certainly get a chance to play in the NFL once his time at Clemson is over, but he is currently majoring in management as he prepares for life after football.

“It’s a hard award to have. I think Clemson went a long time prior to Dalton Freeman winning it, and then it’s been another decade,” Swinney said. “So I’m just really proud of Shipley, and it just says everything you need to know about him. Who he is.”

Shipley has at least one season remaining at Clemson, and he’s a big reason why there are high expectations for the Tigers in 2023.

He will lead a Clemson rushing attack that should once again be dynamic with rising junior Phil Mafah also set to return.

Will Shipley has been a leader since he signed with the Tigers as a four-star recruit in the class of 2021.

Swinney has consistently said that his teammates look up to him, and Shipley is described as a player who always gives 100 percent effort and never loses a sprint.

He also clearly does his best in the classroom, as well.

“I always say how you do anything is how you do everything, and he is truly committed to excellence in all areas,” Swinney said. “So just awesome to see him recognized in that fashion.”