If I'm a Clemson football fan, I'm thrilled about the idea of a true freshman starting in the backfield in arguably the most explosive offense in the country heading into the 2025 season.
Gideon Davidson, a top-100 recruit from Lynchburg, Va., committed to the Tigers this past cycle over the likes of Auburn, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, South Carolina, and USC along with his two prominent in-state schools, Virginia and Virginia Tech.
The four-star decided to take his talents to Clemson where the Tigers have a history of producing NFL running backs under Dabo Swinney with the latest being Phil Mafah (Dallas Cowboys).
Davidson also chose a school that would be looking for a new starter in 2025 and while he probably didn't expect to be a starter right away, he knew he'd have a shot to steal some snaps from some veterans and eventually push for a split role in the backfield. Through his first spring, it looks like he's ready to compete right away and many, including myself, believe he should be the team's RB1.
Let's look at the options to see just why Davidson should be the workhorse back.
First, there's Jay Haynes, a former three-star and high school track star who has plenty of speed and can blow by defenders. He showed some promise last season behind Mafah, rushing for 295 yards and three touchdowns on just 43 carries which was good for 6.9 yards per touch. He has that explosiveness that could keep defenders on their toes.
Then there's David Exiomume who has the size and can be a bruiser. He is 6-foot-0, 210 pounds and averaged 6.2 yards per carry on 10 rushes last season. He's a former four-star.
Keith Adams Jr. is also an option, but I don't think he starts.
What does Davidson have that sets him apart from the rest of these guys? He has both speed and strength and he showed during the spring game that he's not afraid to get out in the passing game and become a threat through the air. He can run through or around you and he can pass block or leak out for a big gain through the air.
There's a reason he's been compared to Travis Etienne. He can be a superstar and I think that starts right away in 2025.