Dabo Swinney knows Will Shipley has a tough decision to make after this season, and Clemson’s head coach says he’s fully on board with whatever the star running back decides to do.

Swinney believes Shipley will be very successful at the professional level, but Swinney would love to see the junior return for another year as a Tiger in 2024 and team up one last time with fellow running back Phil Mafah.

“It’s just a matter of what he wants to do, and we’ll be all for him no matter (what he decides),” Swinney said after Saturday’s 31-20 win over No. 20 North Carolina at Death Valley.

“I hope he comes back, one more little ride. Because we’ve kind of hit our stride with him and Mafah. This is kind of what we’re seeing… They’ve kind of found themselves. They both know who they are, they complement each other well and they’re a problem. I mean it’s a problem. It is a load to have to handle these two dudes for four quarters. So, I hope he comes back because I think we’ve got a good team coming back, and he’s a great player. But hey, whatever he decides, I’m all for it.”

Shipley, who has earned his degree in three years, took part in Saturday’s Senior Day festivities and walked down the hill by himself during the customary ceremonies prior to the game. He said earlier this week that his future beyond this year is “definitely something that’s going to be weighing on me” as this season winds down.

If he didn’t already have his degree, Shipley wouldn’t have a decision to make, in Swinney’s opinion.

“I think it’s a decision just because he’s got his degree,” Swinney said. “I think if he didn’t have his degree, I think you come back.”

Shipley, a former five-star prospect and North Carolina native, shined against the Tar Heels on Saturday while rushing 18 times for 126 yards and a touchdown to go with two receptions for a career-high-tying 53 receiving yards.

During the game, Shipley (4,009) became the 10th player in Clemson history to reach 4,000 career all-purpose yards. He scored on a 33-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and on that touchdown run, Shipley (33) passed Lester Brown (32 from 1976-79) for sole possession of the seventh-most career total touchdowns in Clemson history.

“He’s a dynamic player,” Swinney said. “I think he’s going to be a great pro. He’s a guy that coaches are gonna love. He can do so much. He’s a special talent, and like I said, he’s just got to decide if he’s ready to give up college football, if he wants to take one more shot at it. So, we had a good talk about it, and he’ll have to make a decision. But he’ll pray on it and he’ll do what he thinks is best.

“But man, this guy, not only has he gotten his degree in three years, he’s a perfect 4.0… All I know is, this guy is a perfect 4.0, and he’s graduated in three years and he’s one of the highest-performing athletes in the country. I mean how hard is that. It’s just crazy to me to process that. So, he’s earned that, and again through that, I think he’s got a decision to make.”

To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is selling footballs signed by 7 of Clemson’s Avengers for only $100.  These limited edition footballs are signed by Thomas, Orhorhoro, Davis, Mascoll, Henry, Murphy and Williams.  Get one while supplies last.