Clemson football: Projecting Pre-Spring Depth Chart 2021

Oct 31, 2020; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) warms up before the game against Boston College at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (5) warms up before the game against Boston College at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Josh Morgan-USA TODAY Sports
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Clemson football
Clemson football Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard/Greenville News-USA TODAY NETWORK

Running Back

Starter: Lyn-J Dixon

  • Chez Mellusi
  • Darien Rencher or Michel Dukes or Kobe Pace
  • Will Shipley
  • Phil Mafah

It’s my belief you’re going to see a lot of ‘ors’ on the depth chart when it comes to running back.

Lyn-J Dixon will have the inside track on the starting job, but this group will likely be a ‘run by committee’ position this fall.

Look for Dixon, Mellusi and Pace to have solid springs. Rencher will remain a leader and a firmly-planted role player and Michel Dukes will be looking to make a name for himself.

Outside of the returning veterans, we’ve got two new incomers in 5-star Will Shipley and 4-star Phil Mafah who will join the fold.

Shipley is going to be used as an ‘All-Purpose Back’ and there’s no doubt he has the ability to make an immediate impact. We’re intrigued by the size and explosiveness of Mafah, but he is nursing a knee injury that will likely render him limited in spring practice.

Schedule

Schedule