Clemson star running back Will Shipley met with the media Thursday night and made his future a bit more clear for Tigers’ fans.
The NFL is an interesting place for running backs, as the perceived value of the position has changed drastically over the last decade. In the modern NFL, the running back position is valued less and the running shelf life has decreased substantially.
Speaking on his future, Shipley made it clear it’s either the NFL or another year at Clemson. Transferring was never an option, but the running back shelf life in the NFL may impact his decision.
“It’s either going to the big league or coming back here for another year,” Shipley said. “Wish I could have an answer by now, but it just hasn’t come to me.”
“Transferring is not something my family and I think we represent. There’s good opportunities to do so, but I freakin’ love Clemson University and what it’s done for me. I feel like I’d be doing myself and everyone a disservice if I took that route.”
That’s something Clemson fans have to love to hear. Commitment to a program can be scarce in modern college football, but Shipley is fully committed to being a Tiger. Even so, the NFL could be calling. He touched a bit on why the running back shelf life could affect his decision.
“The position I play, being a running back, being devalued at the next level. Just the small shelf life that we’re being given a reputation to. I’m just a 21-year-old kid trying to enjoy life and take in every moment,” Shipley said.
“I think I can continue this for ten-plus years. I really do. It’s what you put into it. Like I said, so many things have to align…but at the end of the day, you’ve just got to follow God’s path and for me, that could be ten-plus years in the NFL. What’s one year going to hurt me?” Shipley said.
A lot goes into a decision like this, but there is a chance we get one more year of Shipley.