Many fans have made sure their feelings are heard on two topics surrounding Dabo Swinney’s approach to his program. Those two topics are moving players to different positions, and hiring former players to the coaching staff.
Some of the criticism is valid, but definitely not all of it. One of the main targets of this vitriol is former running back CJ Spiller. But, he is actually one of the most important members of the Tigers’ coaching staff. His coaching, and a player's position change have been pivotal to the Tigers seeing glimmers of success this season.
The Role of CJ Spiller
The Clemson hall of fame member, is the current running back coach for the Tigers. He’s held the position officially since the 2021 season.
This means he also played a huge role in the development of current NFL running backs, Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. Last season, Mafah rushed for 1,115 yards. That was just the 24th 1,000 yard season in Clemson history.
In the following offseason, Spiller was tasked with transforming Adam Randall from a wide receiver into a running back. Even though he’s always had a body perfectly built for the position, Randall never played running back before the final stretch of the 2024 season. Judging by Randall’s recent performances, Spiller has done his job very well
Randall shows out in Louisville
The Louisville game proved that Randall and Spiller have worked to make the position change a success.
Against the Cardinals, Randall carried the ball 15 times for 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was from a 25-yard run by Randall. It wasn’t his only long run of the night though, as Randall also broke a 46-yard run to set up his second touchdown. He averaged seven yards per carry on the night.
Randall was the only Clemson player to score a touchdown against Louisville. Meanwhile, the defense gave up 385 total yards. His gutsy performance was much needed against the Cardinals. The senior’s efforts played a vital part in the Tigers’ securing their final ACC win of 2025.
That’s not all
The Louisville game is not the only evidence we can point to, showing how successful Randall’s transition has been. He’s got five games this season with over 50 yards rushing. Three of those games, Randall finished with over 100 yards.
Randall’s best game statistically, was against Syracuse. In that game he had 16 carries for 130 yards, while averaging 8.1 yards per carry. The only game Randall was given at least 20 carries was against Troy, in which he rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Randall has proven more than once he’s found his groove playing running back. The true mishap is that it took so long to move him to the position. He could be much further along in his development if the decision was made quicker. One other issue is how long it took for the rest of the offensive staff to trust him. Randall has clearly shown since week two, that he can provide the Tigers’ offense with a spark when needed.
Randall has earned more than enough trust to carry the Tigers through the finish line of this tumultuous season. He’s also showing he has the potential to continue his development at the professional level.