Adam Randall has a new position, a new body, and a new mindset. For a guy who's been a wide receiver for most of his life, it's a little weird.
"A little bit, you know, I've been a receiver for a long time," Randall said with a smile. "But it's just another position on the offensive ball to me. I think I could play all of them at this point in my career, being in the system for three years."
After years on the outside looking for a home in a crowded receiver room, the 6'3", 235-pound senior is embracing his move to the backfield. He added four pounds of muscle this offseason, a deliberate choice to prepare for the punishment of running between the tackles. Still, Randall says he hasn't lost a step.
"I still feel like I can move fluidly and run pretty fast," he said. "I think that I can move this weight pretty well, you know, just trying to maintain this weight through the season so I can make a little bit more hits and stay healthy."
The transition wasn't a hard sell. When the coaching staff approached him with the idea, Randall didn't hesitate. He simply took a pause and considered what he does best.
"What I do best is run with the ball," Randall said. "Even as a receiver, I've had a lot of yards after the catch. Having the opportunity to get the ball out of the backfield immediately, I think it'll help me out and maximize the opportunities and attributes that I have."
Learning from the Best
Randall isn't just taking handoffs and hoping for the best. He's a student of the game, watching film of some of the NFL's most unique talents to craft his new role.
"We've been watching film on guys like Deebo Samuel, Cordarrelle Patterson, and some other guys, just seeing how they can get me the ball," Randall said. He even watches film on players like Derrick Henry and Cam Newton, admiring how they use their size and passion to punish defenders.
His experience as a wide receiver gives him a unique advantage. He's comfortable lining up all over the field and has a deep knowledge of defensive coverages and blitz packages.
"When I was at receiver, I tried to be a knowledgeable receiver," he said. "Just seeing coverages, seeing stances and posture from the linebackers and safeties. It's all football at the end of the day."
All-In on Clemson
The position change could have been a reason for Randall to enter the transfer portal, but that was never an option. For the senior, staying at Clemson was a non-negotiable.
"I didn't want to go anywhere else in the country, so I wanted to be here and make an impact," Randall said. "I'm thankful to have a supportive coach that wants the best for me and all his players throughout their careers."
Dabo Swinney's belief in him has been a major source of motivation. Swinney has even gone so far as to say he believes Randall could be one of the great stories in college football this year.
"The belief in me and everything is great, you know, but at the end of the day, I've got to go out there and make the plays myself," Randall said.
Randall is ready for the moment. The mindset for him is to "take every day and be the best that I can every day." His new role means he's now running with a lower pad level and learning how to protect the quarterback, but he’s taking it all in stride. His faith, his family, and his teammates—especially his former wide receiver teammates—have all been a source of support.
When asked what he would have said if someone told him a year ago he'd have a chance to be the starting running back, Randall's response was simple and direct.
"Sign me up."