Clemson Football: Five offensive players who could have breakout seasons

Kobe Pace

I know what your thinking: how can Kobe Pace have a breakout season? Hasn’t he already broken out?

Yes, kind of. He was part of a potent one-two punch at running back for the Tigers in 2021 alongside Will Shipley. He is expected to be a major part of the offense in 2022. He is a known name to most Clemson fans.

I think there is still another level for Pace to achieve in 2022. While he is respected, there are only a handful of people that think he is an equal to Shipley. Most Clemson fans see Shipley as the clear #1 running back and Kobe as the #2. There are probably more people who think Phil Mafah should be #2, with Pace at #3, than there are people who think Pace might be the best running back on the team.

I like and respect Shipley a lot, and I appreciate his toughness as a runner, but I think it is a bit presumptive to believe he is heads and shoulders better than Pace at running back. Shipley had the most yards from scrimmage, and that can’t be ignored. I think we also need to acknowledge that Pace had the best yards per carry average in 2021 (6.2) than either Shipley (5.0) or Mafah (4.3).

Both backs had injuries last season, so sometimes its hard to compare their play, but I see Shipley & Pace as a 1A and 1B right now. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we get to the end of the season and Pace has had the better year, which I would consider a breakout season.