Clemson football: How RB competition is shaping up in early fall camp

The Clemson football team is currently going through preseason camp and we’re starting to see some slight separation and pecking orders being defined, even if were only three practices in thus far.

One of the most intriguing position battles to watch has been the running backs.

Clemson has two veteran returners in Lyn-J Dixon and Kobe Pace who many believe are set to take the next step while freshmen Will Shipley and Phil Mafah join the fray. Veteran leader Darien Rencher is also on the roster.

Dabo Swinney revealed following Monday’s practice that Clemson football running back Michel Dukes was not a part of the 110 on the roster and that he’ll be joining the team when school starts back. He didn’t elaborate on what that means in terms of Dukes’ scholarship or his future in the sport.

How the running back competition is shaping out for Clemson football

So, what should we make of the running back competition between the five at the position group?

At this point, it should be noted that Kobe Pace and Lyn-J Dixon have split time with the first-team and that Pace has been the one to lead the running backs out during most of the drills. Freshman Will Shipley has also received first-team snaps and he has been praised and lauded by both his teammates and coaches as being one of the most explosive– and speediest– players on the team.

In that next tier is Phil Mafah and Darien Rencher.

As far as how it’s shaping out: The idea will likely be to give the two veterans at the top of the depth chart the first opportunity with Shipley firmly entrenched, as well.

It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see Shipley check into the game by the second drive of the season-opener and we should expect a heavy rotation of running backs at least through the first portion of the season.

It might not be popular, but the ‘tie’ is going to be given to the running back who can best pass-protect, especially in this current offense that could see the Tigers air it out quite a bit.