Will Shipley making impressive early case for Tigers running back job

On3 imageby:Pete Nakos06/22/21

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CLEMSON — Will Shipley is among the top running backs to ever commit to Clemson out of high school.

Shipley is the third-highest ranked running back to ever sign with Clemson. His tape from Weddington High (Matthews, N.C.) displays his sub 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed. He has the ability to break long runs on the outside and runs hard between the tackles, too.

And now he has the opportunity to play a big role for the Tigers this season, particularly after the second-highest ranked running back to ever pick Clemson transferred last October. Demarkcus Bowman was a top-20 recruit and No. 3 tailback in the class of 2020. But after not enrolling until late last summer, Bowman left Clemson by October for Florida.

His decision to leave, partnered with Travis Etienne’s departure to the NFL, has led to a wide-open running back competition at Clemson. Senior Lyn-J Dixon has patiently waited behind Etienne to take the job, but Shipley showed up this spring ready to compete.

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Will Shipley is in the mix for carries this fall. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

“He’s better than advertised,” Dabo Swinney said of Shipley during the Clemson spring game, broadcast live on the ACC Network. “He’s going to be a great one. He’s going to be a great player. He’s incredibly dynamic. He can return, he can catch, and he’s physically way ahead for a high school kid. He can absolutely fly. Great teammate, and the guys like him.

“This kid is coming in with a complete foundation. It’s very natural for him. He can run between tackles or on the edge. He’ll be a complete player early in his career.”

Shipley has all the skills Clemson wants in its starting running back. He can be an every-down back, capable of wearing down the defense or breaking long runs around the corner, leaving defenses trailing behind. He has the hands and speed to be a factor in the passing game, too.

Chez Mellusi’s decision to transfer this spring opened up the running back competition even more. Dixon and Kobe Pace are more integrated into the Tigers system. They have more game experience, they know the expectations and they’ve had time to develop their bodies more. Shipley hasn’t had the time to do it; he arrived on campus at 5-foot-11 and 198-pounds.

The quick adjustment has gone well, though. Speaking on a panel for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame recently, the true freshman broke down the adjustment to college football and Clemson.

“Going from a high school team like Weddington where I was the main leader on the team to a place like Clemson that’s got a bunch of All-Americans on the field, I really had to try to find my spot,” he said. “I think that’s kind of a metaphor for life. You’ve always got to find your spot where you can contribute the most.”

The highest-ranked running back to ever commit to Clemson is C.J. Spiller.

Will Shipley now has Spiller as his position coach. He can learn plenty from the Clemson legend as he tries to win the starting job this fall. He has the talent and skills, but Spiller can help get Shipley mentally ready to be the No. 1 tailback.