Clemson Football: Looking ahead at the 2024 running back room after Will Shipley's departure

With Will Shipley's entry into the NFL Draft, Phil Mafah becomes the feature back for Clemson in 2024, but the Tigers rarely use one rusher exclusively. Here are the options to find playing time behind Mafah next season.
Clemson running back Jay Hayes (26) runs against Kentucky during the fourth quarter of the TaxSlayer Bowl
Clemson running back Jay Hayes (26) runs against Kentucky during the fourth quarter of the TaxSlayer Bowl / Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
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David Eziomume

David Eziomume joins the Tigers as part of the Class of 2024. He played football for North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Eziomume was rated as a 4-star back in the 247Sports Composite, but 247 proper had him rated as a 3-star. Like I said earlier, this shouldn’t dissuade anyone. He ran wild in Georgia this season.

If you are a Clemson fan who thinks top-line speed is something the running back room has been lacking lately, then you should like David Eziomume.

If he reminds you of CJ Spiller, you aren’t alone. Eziomume explains that himself.

"“Coach (CJ) Spiller’s my guy, and I say that because I mean it. Who he is and the things he’s done. He’s very humble and doesn’t say anything about all his accomplishments. And that’s just something I look into as a coach, knowing that somebody you can rely on, somebody that has set the highest standard. Something a lot of people can’t say.”"

David Eziomume

Eziomume is an early enrollee and joined the team for bowl practices. He will participate in spring ball and we should get a chance to see him on the field in the Spring Game. Like all freshmen, he will have to work his way up the depth chart.

We all know Clemson coaches defer to seniority and experience, especially in the spring. The reality is the first spring depth chart might have some walk-ons ahead of Eziomume, just to make the point that he will have to earn it.