What Clemson’s RB room looks like for 2024 without Will Shipley

What can we expect from Clemson’s running back room in 2024 without Will Shipley?

Clemson’s running back room in 2024 will look different with the departure of long-time offensive focal point Will Shipley.

Shipley recently declared for the 2024 NFL draft, ending his time with the program. While it stings to lose a guy as talented as Shipley, Clemson’s running back room is in a fine place heading into 2024 without him.

The Tigers have another star in the backfield, Phil Mafah, who is likely to return for the 2024 season. Mafah stepped up in a big way this season, recording career highs in rushing attempts (179), rushing yards (965), rushing touchdowns (13), receptions (21) and receiving yards (108) in 506 snaps over 13 games (five starts). Mafah didn’t get a full workload until Clemson’s loss against NC State, but that’s when we really saw the breakout.

Over the season’s final six games, Mafah ran for 610 yards and nine touchdowns. When given the reins, Mafah became a force for this offense. His true breakout came in Clemson’s 31-23 upset win over Notre Dame, during which he took 36 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns. A true workhorse performance.

At starting running back, the Tigers are covered. But what about beyond Mafah? Well, that’s where someone will have to step up. Currently on the roster, the Tigers have Keith Adams Jr., Jay Haynes and Jarvis Green. They also add incoming freshman David Eziomume.

There is undoubtedly talent behind Mafah, but it’s really about who is going to step up. It’s safe to assume that whoever does will likely need to be active out of the backfield, as Mafah isn’t the most polished receiving back. I’m not saying he can’t improve there; it just doesn’t necessarily fit his build.

Right now, it is safe to expect Mafah to continue to be a workhorse for this backfield while running back coach CJ Spiller identifies who can be a reliable No. 2 for him.

Swinney gives the latest on redshirts

During his post-practice availability via Zoom on Tuesday night, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked about this freshman linebacker and if the Tigers have decided that they definitely won’t redshirt him this season. Wade Woodaz made a big …

During his post-practice availability via Zoom on Tuesday night, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked about this freshman linebacker and if the Tigers have decided that they definitely won’t redshirt him this season.

Wade Woodaz made a big impact for the Tigers on special teams Monday night, blocking a punt in his collegiate debut against Georgia Tech. He shared team special teams player of the game honors for the season-opening win over the Yellow Jackets.

“No, he’s going to play. He’ll play,” Swinney said when asked about Woodaz. “That’s why we started him (on special teams). He’s a guy that will definitely play, unless something happens. He’s definitely a guy that we need.”

While Woodaz saw action on the field Monday night, Swinney noted that the Tigers decided not to play some other freshmen like linebacker T.J. Dudley, wide receiver Cole Turner and running back Keith Adams Jr.

“We held a couple guys. We played a lot of guys,” Swinney said. “But we held Dudley, we held Cole, we held Adams. Those are guys off the top of my head that we could’ve got in, but we held them. We’ll kind of hold out and save them here for as we move forward. But other than that, we were able to play a bunch of guys that traveled with us with the 80 (80-man travel roster).”

Of course, college football’s redshirt rules allow a player to compete in up to four games without burning a year of eligibility.

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Freshman running back says he’s ‘loving it down here at Clemson,’ can’t wait to hit the field

Keith Adams, Jr. is his own person. While he’s following in his father’s footsteps at Clemson, he’s going to be a trendsetter. Instead of rocking his dad’s No. 43, which is a little bit more of a running back number, Adams is going with No. 19 and …

Keith Adams, Jr. is his own person.

While he’s following in his father’s footsteps at Clemson, he’s going to be a trendsetter. Instead of rocking his dad’s No. 43, which is a little bit more of a running back number, Adams is going with No. 19 and he’s going to stick to it.

“Everything’s been good,” Adams told The Clemson Insider during an NIL collective appearance in Clemson Sunday. “Getting together with a whole new team, brand new people to meet, I’m loving it down here at Clemson. The Clemson family is the No. 1 football family. I’m just excited to get on the field and play together.”

While Adams won’t have a chance to directly work with CJ Spiller until fall camp rolls around come Friday, Aug. 5, he’s soaking up as much information as he can from

“All the running backs who are older than me, they’re just teaching me everything,” Adams said. “I’m learning from them. I’m being patient. I’m just enjoying the process of becoming a better running back, a better teammate and a better player. These guys are molding me to be the best player I can be on the field and off the field. They’re great leaders and I love them.”

“From Will Shipley to Phil Mafah, Kobe Pace and all the other running backs, they’re all supportive of each other,” Adams continued. “We’re teammates and we don’t care who’s on the field or who’s off the field, we support each other like we would with anyone else.”

The adjustment period for Adams didn’t take long. He felt like Clemson was home more than anything because he’s comfortable being in Tiger Town. He’s always enjoyed his time at Clemson since he started participating in the camps dating back to the third grade.

It’s nothing new to Adams, he’s just enjoying the process. Both Spiller and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney have welcomed him with open arms since he arrived on campus.

“Coach Spiller has been amazing,” Adams said of Clemson’s running backs coach. “He’s a great coach. Obviously, he’s been at the highest level, so I can learn a lot from him. He has all the experience. I’m just learning it all at this point. I’m taking it all in. I’m like a sponge.”

According to Adams, the messaging since he arrived on campus has been around the lines of learning the playbook and staying ready. He’s gonna take his time and be patient, but whenever that opportunity comes, he’ll be ready.

“Will knows I’m ready. All the other running backs know I’m ready,” he said. “They’re trying to prepare me to be ready because I think they know that I’m gonna get that opportunity. I’m just being patient and I’m waiting for everybody.”

Adams admits that he pretty much always seeks out Shipley’s advice or guidance when he has questions regarding the playbook.

“It’s mainly Will Shipley because he’s the hardest on me and I learn the most from him,” Adams said, “because he’s just such a great leader and I appreciate everything that he does. I love (that type of leadership) because I know I’m gonna need it. He’s teaching me how to be a leader and that’s what I need for when everybody else is gone. Because when he’s gone, who’s gonna be the leader? So that’s what I have to put myself in.”

The Newcomer Files: Keith Adams Jr.

Clemson signed 21 players as part of its 2022 recruiting class, some of whom still have yet to make it to campus. Nine signees went through spring practice as early enrollees while the rest, including transfer Hunter Johnson, will arrive on campus …

Clemson signed 21 players as part of its 2022 recruiting class, some of whom still have yet to make it to campus.

Nine signees went through spring practice as early enrollees while the rest, including transfer Hunter Johnson, will arrive on campus this summer. The Clemson Insider is taking a closer look at each newcomer and the likelihood of him contributing immediately this fall based on development and positional need.

First up is Keith Adams Jr.

Position: Running back

Height: 5-foot-10

Weight: 200 pounds

Ranking: 3 stars (247Composite)

Previous school: Pine View (Utah) High

Early enrollee? No

The skinny: Clemson football is in Adams’ blood. His father, Keith Sr., was a two-time All-America linebacker for the Tigers and the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1999. Originally from Georgia, Adams played his final high school season in Utah after beginning his prep career at Cherokee High in the metro-Atlanta area, showing no ill effects from a reported knee injury he dealt with during his time at Cherokee. Adams rushed for 1,376 in his only season at Pine View and led the team with 24 total touchdowns.

Adams was also a late addition to the class after the Tigers missed on some of their other running back targets, including former Tiger great Travis Etienne’s brother, Trevor, who inked with Florida. That could be an indication of Clemson’s coaches believing Adams is more of a developmental player at the position rather than the type to make an immediate impact. Injuries could always expedite that development, but with three proven, more experienced scholarship ‘backs ahead of him on the depth chart in Will Shipley, Kobe Pace and Phil Mafah, this fall could be one where the Tigers pick and choose their spots to play Adams in four games while maintaining his redshirt.

Legacy Tiger commits to Clemson, sees his dream come true

Clemson added a running back and another legacy recruit to the fold as Pine View (Saint George, UT.) 2022 three-star running back Keith Adams, Jr. announced his commitment Wednesday afternoon. Adams becomes the latest member of Clemson’s 2022 …

Clemson added a running back and another legacy recruit to the fold as Pine View (Saint George, UT.) 2022 three-star running back Keith Adams, Jr. announced his commitment Wednesday afternoon.

Adams becomes the latest member of Clemson’s 2022 recruiting class, as he pledged to the Tigers over schools like Air Force, Marshall and the University of South Florida.

His commitment comes off the heels of this past weekend’s official visit. He returned to Clemson for the first time in nearly two years and detailed his experience with The Clemson Insider after.

“I just liked how everybody treated me,” Adams said. “I just enjoyed spending time with the coaches and the players. I had a lot of fun and the facilities were great.”

Clemson originally offered Adams as a grayshirt back when he was a junior in October 2020, but on Saturday, the Tigers offered him a full ride. According to Adams, Clemson loved his film and they saw him progress throughout the entirety of his high school career, which is why they offered him a full scholarship.

As a senior this past season, Adams Jr. rushed for 1,376 yards, had 309 receiving yards and scored 24 total touchdowns.

“It meant a lot,” he said, “to actually get it in person, it felt a lot different than receiving it over the phone. It was a special moment for me and my family.”

He is the son of former Clemson All-American linebacker, Keith Adams Sr., who went on to play seven years in the NFL and played in the 2005 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Beyond his father, the younger Adams has some connections of his own at Clemson. He’s known Swinney since he was a little kid. According to Adams Jr., Swinney has seen him grow up and has liked how he’s progressed throughout the years.

“Every time he sees me, he just tells me I get better and better,” he said of Swinney. “That’s one of the main reasons why he offered me because he’s seen the beginning to end. He also likes my grades too, that’s what he told me. He just loves how I’ve gotten better.”

Adams Jr. has also built quite the connection with C.J. Spiller.

“We got close in a short amount of time, so that means a lot,” he said of his relationship with Clemson’s running backs coach. “I’ve always looked up to him, playing with him on Madden and things like that. Just to actually meet him in person, was awesome. It felt special to be able to be coached by an NFL veteran. It was just special to me.”

Adams Jr. joins a running back that was already had a talented trio of backs in Will Shipley, Kobe Pace and Phil Mafah, but they were lacking depth. Swinney previously indicated that the Tigers needed to add another running back in this recruiting class after Lyn-J Dixon and Michel Dukes elected to enter the transfer portal this past season and Darien Rencher officially moved on.

So far, Adams Jr. is the first running back that Clemson has signed in the class of 2022, but he may not be the last. Parish Episcopal School (Dallas, TX.) three-star running back Andrew Paul will announce his decision at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday.

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TCI’s National Signing Day preview: Breaking down commits, targets

The countdown to National Signing Day continues. With Wednesday’s NSD fast approaching, The Clemson Insider wanted to provide a primer to get you ready for the big day as it relates to the Tigers. In the following preview, we break down the …

The countdown to National Signing Day continues. With Wednesday’s NSD fast approaching, The Clemson Insider wanted to provide a primer to get you ready for the big day as it relates to the Tigers.

In the following preview, we break down the commitments that Clemson is set to sign on Wednesday, the targets that the Tigers are in the mix for, and more:

Cole Turner

Vestavia Hills (Ala.) High School wide receiver Cole Turner announced his commitment to the Tigers after his official visit on Sunday, Jan. 16.

Cole, of course, is the younger brother of longtime Clemson safety Nolan Turner. Like his brother before for him, Cole was severely under-recruited coming out of high school.

The Clemson Insider spoke with Vestavia Hills head coach Sean Calhoun, prior to Cole’s offer from Clemson.

“He’s one of those stereotypical guys, who didn’t have much junior film and has a lot of senior film,” Calhoun said. “And, it’s really good and it’s vs. really, really good opponents. He’s a good player.

“Again, he’s just not on recruiting boards because if his senior film was his junior film, he’d be a three/four-star. But, he’s not and I think that the people that do see it and do get on him at this time, whoever gets him is definitely gonna get an absolute diamond in the rough. There’s no doubt about it.”

Myles Oliver

Oliver (6-0, 170) officially verbally pledged to the Tigers on Sunday, Jan. 16. The Douglas County (Douglasville, Ga.) 2022 defensive back, like Turner before him, committed to Clemson after his official visit.

When asked by The Clemson Insider why he pulled the trigger on his commitment to Clemson, Oliver pointed to the coaching staff and the “great campus.”

Across his senior campaign, Oliver recorded five interceptions, 75 total tackles (55 solos), four touchdowns, 101 interception yards and 552 all-purpose yards. He received Douglas County Player of the Year honors for his contributions on the field this season.

Oliver’s head coach at Douglas County, Johnny T. White, talked to TCI in December and spoke about why he believed Clemson would ultimately be a good fit for the under-the-radar defensive back.

“Clemson would be a great place because it’s close to home for him,” White said. “Family’s big to him, so that’s not far. But, at the same time, I think it would be beneficial on both sides. I think he’d end up being a great player for Clemson. I know he’d be a standout guy because he’s a great young man. He’s a better young man than he is a football player, to be honest.”

Kobe McCloud

Kobe McCloud announced his verbal commitment to Clemson Wednesday, Jan. 26, just a mere couple of days after the legacy recruit, who hails from Gaither (Tampa, Fla.), officially visited campus.

McCloud went into detail with The Clemson Insider about his decision to commit to Clemson.

“Really just the love from the coaches,” McCloud said. “Not just the coaches, but their whole staff. I love that vision that they have for me for the next 3-4 years, so that played a big role.”

In a previous conversation with TCI, McCloud outlined his potential role. Clemson feels like he can play anywhere on that second-level, whether it’s at the WILL or MIKE linebacker positions. According to McCloud, Swinney had previously told him that his playstyle reminds him of former Clemson linebackers like B.J. Goodson and Dorian O’Daniel, both of whom went on to play in the NFL.

What can Clemson fans expect out of McCloud?

“I’m a baller on the field and off the field, I’m a great person with good character,” he said. “A person that lights up the room when I walk in. That’s the type of person I am.”

Kylon Griffin

Montgomery Catholic (Ala.) three-star defensive back Kylon Griffin elected to commit to Clemson on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Even though the fast-rising prospect, who was once committed to Mississippi State, had another official visit on the table, his mind was already made up.

“I think there was no more to be said,” Griffin said. “Clemson has it all and more. I think Dabo Swinney has a great culture up there, that continues to evolve and that the whole staff wants the same thing.”

What role does the coaching staff envision for him?

“They compared me to K’Von Wallace,” Griffin said. “He was all-around the backend when he was there. I’m pretty sure they plan to use me all-around.”

Jahiem Lawson

Jahiem Lawson from nearby Daniel High School publicly committed to the Tigers on Friday, Jan. 28.

Lawson – the younger brother of former Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson, who played for the Tigers from 2013-15 and has spent time in the NFL with the Bills, Dolphins, Texans and Jets – detailed his commitment decision in an interview with The Clemson Insider.

Jahiem (6-4, 215), who received an offer from Dabo Swinney and Clemson on Dec. 20, said he knew for sure a couple of weeks ago that Clemson is where he wanted to continue his academic and athletic career. He told Swinney and his staff that he wanted to be a Tiger while on his official visit to Clemson three weekends ago.

Jahiem chose the Tigers over offers from Missouri, Georgia Tech, Coastal Carolina and Liberty, among numerous other schools.

“The environment is really amazing,” Jahiem said of why he picked Clemson. “Being around the coaches, it’s like a family, and I love that. Going in on my OV (official visit), I just felt so welcomed. That was so exciting for me. So, that made my chances to go to Clemson higher.”

PWOs

Here is a list of all the preferred walk-ons that plan on signing with Clemson on Wednesday:

  • Christ Church Episcopal School (Greenville, S.C.) three-star offensive tackle Mason Johnstone
  • Laurens (S.C.) athlete Michael Mankaka
  • T.L. Hanna (Anderson, S.C.) linebacker Fletcher Cothran
  • Anderson (S.C.) T.L. Hanna offensive lineman Chap Pendergrass
  • Daniel (Central, S.C.) tight end Griffin Batt
  • Daniel (Central, S.C) wide receiver Clay Swinney
  • Daniel (Central, S.C.) quarterback Trent Pearman
  • Central High School (Phenix City, Ala.) quarterback Caleb Nix

Commitment Watch

By now, we know that there are four uncommitted prospects in the 2022 recruiting class that could commit to Clemson on Wednesday.

The Tigers played host this past weekend to a couple of official visitors, so we wanted to pass along the latest we have gathered regarding those official visitors, as well as the other Clemson targets.

T.J. Dudley

One of the uncommitted prospects that Clemson is in strong contention for is T.J. Dudley, a four-star linebacker from Montgomery (Ala.) Catholic Preparatory School who is ranked as the No. 11 outside linebacker and No. 143 overall prospect in the 2022 class by Rivals.

Dudley, a former Oregon commit, decommitted from the Ducks in early December after former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal departed for Miami. It was around that time when Clemson, which offered Dudley back in June 2020, re-entered the mix for his services.

Clemson made a big impression on Dudley when he visited for a junior day back in the spring of 2020, and he returned to campus for an official visit last weekend – a visit that simply reinforced the things he liked about Clemson back then and only strengthened the Tigers’ standing heading into signing day.

Dudley is teammates with Montgomery Catholic Prep 2022 defensive back Kylon Griffin, who committed to the Tigers last week, and Clemson appears to be the clear frontrunner for Dudley as well. New co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Wes Goodwin has done a good job with Dudley’s recruitment.

Dudley will announce his decision at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Caden Story

We also like where Clemson stands with Caden Story, a four-star defensive tackle from Lanett (Ala.) High School, who is ranked as the No. 20 defensive lineman and No. 147 overall prospect in the 2022 class by 247Sports.

Clemson is one of three stated finalists for Story, along with Florida and Auburn. He committed to the SEC’s Tigers last August but did not end up signing in December, then decommitted from Auburn on Jan. 16. He went to Florida for an official visit this past weekend.

The Tigers made a great impression on Story during his official visit two weekends ago. He has a strong and longstanding relationship with Clemson’s defensive tackles coach and run game coordinator, Nick Eason, who also recruited Story when Eason was at Auburn.

While the Gators gave Story something to think about last weekend, we still believe the Tigers are in a good spot heading into Wednesday.

Story will reveal his college choice at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Keith Adams, Jr.

The other official visitor on campus this weekend was Pine View (Saint George, Utah) 2022 three-star running back Keith Adams, Jr.

“I just liked how everybody treated me,” Adams told The Clemson Insider Sunday. “I just enjoyed spending time with the coaches and the players. I had a lot of fun and the facilities were great.”

Clemson originally offered Adams as a grayshirt back when he was a junior in October 2020, but on Saturday, the Tigers offered him a full ride. According to Adams, Clemson loved his film and they saw him progress throughout the entirety of his high school career, which is why they offered him a full scholarship.

“It meant a lot,” he said, “to actually get it in person, it felt a lot different than receiving it over the phone. It was a special moment for me and my family.”

Adams, of course, is the son of former Clemson All-American linebacker Keith Adams Sr., who went on to play seven years in the NFL and played in the 2005 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Clemson made a big impression on Adams Jr. and his family this weekend, and while he won’t make his decision known until Wednesday, we like the Tigers’ chances heading into signing day.

Adams will reveal his college choice at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Andrew Paul

Heading into this past weekend, those close to Andrew Paul’s recruitment viewed Clemson as the frontrunner for the Parish Episcopal School (Dallas, Texas) three-star running back. However, Georgia has given him something to think about after his official visit to Athens this past weekend.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, Paul is very closed vest. So much so, that many of those around him are unsure of what he may decide. That being said, while we believe Georgia and Kirby Smart made a big push to land Paul’s commitment, we feel the Tigers still have a legitimate shot to land his signature on Wednesday.

Clemson has certainly put its best foot forward with Paul as well.

“He loved it,” Parish head coach Daniel Novakov said of Paul’s official visit. “He loved the place. He loved the people. He loved Coach Swinney. I think he really liked the kids he visited. I think he liked everything about it.”

The Tigers have been recruiting Paul hard since C.J. Spiller was in attendance for Paul’s state playoff game last month. Clemson’s running backs coach stayed for the entire game. That went a long way with Paul and his trainer Brandon Williams, who trains the three-star running back at FASST Performance & Fitness and has done so for the past three and a half years.

“That showed me not just the value, but the perception that I got from C.J. standing there the entire time just tells me where their relationship is with Andrew,” Williams said. ‘“Hey, this young man is what we want. It’s been amazing to see all those things, especially the respect level.”

Paul has built a close relationship with Spiller. He’ll have a tough decision to make between Clemson, Georgia and Michigan.

Paul will announce his decision at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday.

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Adams recaps Clemson official visit

This weekend, a legacy recruit made his way back on campus for the first time since 2019. Pine View (Saint George, UT.) 2022 three-star running back Keith Adams, Jr. was on Clemson’s campus this weekend for an official visit. He detailed his …

This weekend, a legacy recruit made his way back on campus for the first time since 2019.

Pine View (Saint George, UT.) 2022 three-star running back Keith Adams, Jr. was on Clemson’s campus this weekend for an official visit. He detailed his experience on campus, which included being offered a scholarship by Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.

“I just liked how everybody treated me,” Adams told The Clemson Insider. “I just enjoyed spending time with the coaches and the players. I had a lot of fun and the facilities were great.”

Clemson originally offered Adams as a grayshirt back when he was a junior in October 2020, but on Saturday, the Tigers offered him a full ride. According to Adams, Clemson loved his film and they saw him progress throughout the entirety of his high school career, which is why they offered him a full schoalrship.

As a senior this past season, Adams Jr. rushed for 1,376 yards, had 309 receiving yards and scored 24 total touchdowns.

“It meant a lot,” he said, “to actually get it in person, it felt a lot different than receiving it over the phone. It was a special moment for me and my family.”

Adams is not announcing his decision until National Signing Day, which is on Wednesday, Feb. 2. He will be signing at his high school and will be choosing from Air Force, Marshall, USF and of course, Clemson.

He has an idea of where he’s leaning, but he’s not going to announce his next move until Wednesday.

Clemson freshman running back Phil Mafah served as Adams’ player host for the weekend. Adams, like Mafah, is from the Peach State and their hometowns are a little over an hour apart from each other. 

While Mafah played his high school ball at Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), Adams played at Cherokee High School (Canton, Ga.), before transferring to Pine View (St. George, UT.), prior to the 2021 season.

“He was just telling me how it was to play in an actual college football game,” Adams said of Mafah. “Just how it is coming in at Clemson and how great of a program it is and the coaches, like how they love you. Everybody’s treated the same and I really like it.”

Adams also appreciated how his family was treated as well. The family atmosphere doesn’t feel like any other school he’s been to.

He is the son of former Clemson All-American linebacker, Keith Adams Sr., who went on to play seven years in the NFL and played in the 2005 Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“They loved it,” Adams, Jr. said of his family. “We’ve been there a couple of times, but this time felt a little bit different because of all the other things we did there like the photoshoot and just going to dinner with the coaches and talking a little bit more personal. So, that was good.”

Beyond his father, the younger Adams has some connections of his own at Clemson. He’s known Swinney since he was a little kid. According to Adams Jr., Swinney has seen him grow up and has liked how he’s progressed throughout the years.

“Every time he sees me, he just tells me I get better and better,” he said of Swinney. “That’s one of the main reasons why he offered me because he’s seen the beginning to end. He also likes my grades too, that’s what he told me. He just loves how I’ve gotten better.”

Adams Jr. has also built quite the connection with C.J. Spiller. 

“We got close in a short amount of time, so that means a lot,” he said of his relationship with Clemson’s running backs coach. “I’ve always looked up to him, playing with him on Madden and things like that. Just to actually meet him in person, that was awesome. It felt special to be able to be coached by an NFL veteran. It was just special to me. 

“It’s very encouraging to be able to develop into a better running back with not only other good running backs on the team but also have a great coach as well. It’s gonna help me along the way to get to the main goal, which is getting to the NFL. I think that’s gonna be a really cool experience.”

If he chooses to play for Spiller, Adams Jr. is willing to do whatever’s asked of him, but he can pretty much do anything that’s needed out of a running back. He feels like he’s one of the more underrated backs in the 2022 recruiting class, but everything has seemingly worked in his favor as of late and as it stands, he couldn’t be happier to be in the position he’s in.

That speaks to his character.

“Off the field, I’m a well-mannered, respectful kid,” he said. “I don’t get into all the extra stuff that you see other people get into, that you see other people get into. I’m just down to earth, cool. I don’t really do much.

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