Clemson Football: Notre Dame recruiting 5-star RB target heavily

The Clemson football coaching staff has competition on the recruiting trail when it comes to 5-star RB Will Shipley, a product of North Carolina.

The 2021 Clemson football recruiting class has an opportunity to be one of the best in school history.

Following a 2020 recruiting cycle that saw the Tigers finish inside the top-three according to every major recruiting service, the Clemson football program currently sits at No. 2 in the nation for the 2021 cycle.

The Tigers already have one commitment at running back in the class with 4-star Phil Mafah, but there is one more special play-maker who they would love to take: 5-star RB Will Shipley.

Shipley is considered the No. 1 player in the state of North Carolina and is also considered the No. 1 all-purpose back in the nation.

While Shipley is currently considered a Clemson lean according to many recruiting insiders, it’s clear that Notre Dame is vying heavily for his services.

Shipley told The Clemson Insider earlier this week that Notre Dame had been the school that was most in contact with him. He has had several telephone calls and video chats with the Fighting Irish and it’s clear that Notre Dame remains high on his list.

Shipley’s original plan was to make another round of visits this summer- including an official visit to Notre Dame- before making a school decision. However, all recruiting visits have been suspended through at least May 31.

Even though recruiting visits have been suspended, it’s clear that competition is heating up for the 5-star RB’s services.

While Clemson remains one of the top leaders, it’s clear that Notre Dame is legitimate competition. The Fighting Irish have zeroed in on Shipley as their top priority in the 2021 class and Clemson already has a massive amount of depth at the running back position, though he would be used differently than just a normal running back.

There’s going to be competition for the Tigers and Fighting Irish over the course of the next few months and it should be interesting to see what Shipley ultimately decides.