Happy Solid Orange Friday! Here is today’s Clemson Tigers News.
Clemson Football continues bowl practices
Clemson Football held another practice that was open to the press, and they gave us a few observations.
Chapel Fowler from The State noted Ronan Hanafin was present, but was not participating.
I also see backup Clemson football WR Ronan Hanafin out of uniform, on a scooter with a boot on his left foot. That’s a new injury. Hanafin has been a special teams guy all year and gotten a handful of offensive snaps recently, too
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) December 14, 2023
He also noted the status of several other players.
Injury stuff from today’s open portion of Clemson football practice pre-Gator Bowl … WR Tyler Brown in a green limited contact jersey, which is new. WR Antonio Williams still in green, OL Marcus Tate still in yellow non-contact jersey
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) December 14, 2023
Another surprise was Jake Briningstool in yellow.
Starting Clemson football tight end Jake Briningstool also in a yellow non-contact jersey for today’s practice. Lots of time until the Dec. 29 Gator Bowl but Tigers working through some injury here early in the first week of bowl practice
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) December 14, 2023
As mentioned, there is plenty of time before the Tigers take the field against Kentucky in the Gator Bowl, and players in green and yellow right now could be for precautionary reasons.
Will Shipley met with the press and explained that transferring was never really an option that he favored.
“I Freaking love Clemson University, transferring is not an opition” - @willshipley2021 #clemson #clemsonfootball
— Clemson Sports Media (@CUSportsMedia) December 15, 2023
Shipley did his due diligence and discussed the option with his family, but they left that conversation agreeing that his best choices were to declare for the NFL Draft or return to Clemson for his senior season.
Shipley has not decided what he will do for 2024, but he is planning to play in the Gator Bowl.
As The Portal Turns
Just in case you missed it, Keylan Rutledge has committed to Georgia Tech.
BREAKING: Former MTSU OL Keylan “Big Red” Rutledge, a Georgia native and All-Conference member, has committed to Georgia Tech over Clemson
— Russell Johnson (@RivalsJohnson) December 13, 2023
“Where that program is going, with the opportunities available there, there was no better option.”
More here: https://t.co/gzVvqgyFOc pic.twitter.com/stL5sVcd7I
Clemson Football hoped to host Rutledge this past weekend but he was in a one-car accident that prevented him from visiting. Just my personal opinion, but if one is impressionable and takes things as signs, one might see a serious car wreck on the way to a visit as a sign that the visit just isn’t meant to be. Simply a hunch on my part.
The Rutledge news was shortly followed by an announcement from Duke's verbal commitment Mason “Moose” Wade.
After a great conversation with coach Swinney and @CoachMattLuke I am blessed and honored to have received an offer from @ClemsonFB! @FBvikingstrong @FBvikingstrong @Clements_TJC @carson_cramer @FATboysOLine @kalfonjordan pic.twitter.com/TqaZ4LJIhJ
— Mason “Moose” Wade (@_MasonWade) December 14, 2023
Whether this development is related to Rutledge going elsewhere is unknown. Clemson also has an open offer to Elyjah Thurmon, who plans to announce on Early Signing Day (December 20th).
Another high school prospect announced that he will be in Death Valley this weekend as well. Linebacker CJ Kubah-Taylor will take his official visit to Clemson.
Death Valley this weekend! pic.twitter.com/d6kmQBU9sr
— CJ Kubah-Taylor (@cjkubahtaylor) December 14, 2023
This also comes as a bit of a surprise. Clemson had an offer to linebacker Bradley Shaw, and it appeared to be in good standing with Shaw. This new interest in Kubah-Taylor might indicate a shift in direction for either Shaw or Clemson, or both.
Defensive end RJ Oben has announced a commitment to Notre Dame.
BREAKING: Notre Dame lands a commitment from Duke defensive line transfer RJ Oben. 🏈
— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 13, 2023
MORE: https://t.co/tp65x6eJHQ pic.twitter.com/h13fAewH73
Oben follows teammate Riley Leonard to South Bend. Oben is a player that I had hoped Clemson would recruit.
MJ Morris has announced a commitment to Maryland.
Thank you Lord 🙏🏽 Committed 🐢 @TerpsFootball @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/IquU9Saq6o
— MJ Morris (@mj_morris7) December 13, 2023
Morris will succeed Taulia Tagovailoa in College Park. Have you noticed that most players transferring from an ACC school tend to land in the SEC or Big Ten? Yeah, me too.
Congratulations to Matthews Phillips for signing with Clemson Track & Field.
New Tiger in town! 🐅
— Clemson Track & Field 🐾 (@ClemsonTrackXC) December 13, 2023
Welcome to the Clemson Family, Matthew! 😎 pic.twitter.com/gNRCGdRzL2