Clemson star running back Will Shipley is one of the best running backs in college football and has an opportunity to have the best season of his career in 2023.
Adding 2022 Broyles Award winner Garrett Riley as the Tigers‘ offensive coordinator gives Shipley a unique opportunity. With one of the top offensive minds in college football joining the program, Shipley is now in the best situation of his career.
Shipley is so impressive, and his situation is strong enough for him to be named the ACC’s dark horse Heisman candidate by Pro Football Focus. He is the only dark-horse candidate from each power five conference they named that is not a quarterback. Here is what writer Mitch Kaiser had to say about the star running back.
ACC: RB WILL SHIPLEY, CLEMSON TIGERS
The only non-quarterback on this list, Shipley is by far Clemson’s best offensive weapon and is going to be featured even more in the offense in 2023. His team is arguably the best in the ACC and should be in playoff contention come December.
The Tigers hired Garrett Riley from TCU to be their new offensive coordinator, and Shipley is poised to benefit most from the change, as he’s likely to see more touches. Last year, he finished with a 78.5 PFF grade behind nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, plus 37 receptions for 237 yards. An improved offensive line will also help Shipley’s production
A season of 2,000 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns is not out of reach for Shipley. That would give him a strong Heisman case, especially if Clemson wins the ACC and makes the College Football Playoff.
It sounds wild, but 2,000 yards and 20-plus touchdowns are in the cards for Shipley. While he has been incredibly effective in his time with the program, most would agree he hasn’t been used adequately or gotten the touches the best player on the offense deserves.
In 2023 with the right workload, Shipley could be in the Heisman conversation.
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