The biggest question mark for Clemson's national title hopes has been the running back position. On Wednesday, Dabo Swinney provided a definitive, if unconventional, answer.
The Tigers' starting running back heading into the season opener against LSU is a converted wide receiver: senior Adam Randall.
Appearing on the Gramlich & Mac Lain podcast, Swinney confirmed that the former wideout, who made the permanent switch to running back this year, has earned the top spot on the depth chart.
"Yeah, today he is," Swinney said when asked if Randall is RB1.
'Mentally, He's Running Out There First'
For Swinney, Randall's ascent is a testament to his intelligence and veteran presence. While younger, more explosive options are waiting in the wings, it's Randall's complete command of the offense that has put him in the lead.
"He knows everything. He understands everything. So, just mentally, he’s running out there first," Swinney explained. "Adam really brings the leadership and just the confidence. The game’s not too fast for him. He really checks all the boxes."
A 'Really Good Room,' Not Just One Guy
While Randall has earned the starting nod, Swinney made it clear that Clemson will rely on a committee approach to carry the load, especially with injuries impacting the room's depth.
"Let me tell ya – Easy E (David Eziomume) and Gid (Gideon Davidson), those guys — I don’t see any situation where we’re gonna have one guy playing," Swinney said. "We’re gonna have a really good backfield of guys, and three or four guys getting some reps every single week.”
With injuries sidelining veterans Jay Haynes and Jarvis Green, the door is wide open for redshirt freshman Eziomume and highly-touted true freshman Davidson to carve out significant roles.
But as the Tigers prepare for their top-10 showdown with LSU, they will be led into battle by a player whose leadership and football IQ were so profound, they earned him a starting job at a brand new position.