CLEMSON — To get an idea what a tough decision Will Shipley and Barrett Carter have when it comes to their football lives, just read their comments following Thursday’s Gator Bowl practice.
Clemson’s All-ACC running back and All-ACC linebacker spoke about what the last few weeks have been like, as they fought through the decision to either forgo their senior year and go pro or come back for one more last hurrah at a school they both love so dearly.
“I am just a 21-year-old kid just trying to enjoy life and take in every moment,” Shipley said. “This is the sport that I began playing (as a kid). I could not even dream of being where I am now.”
Fortunately for Clemson, Shipley is still enrolled in school and plans to play for the 22nd-ranked Tigers when they take on Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 29 in Jacksonville, Fla. The junior running back told the media has not made any decisions on his future except to play in the bowl game and if he does return to college for another season, he will do it as a Clemson Tiger.
Carter has already made up his mind when it comes to his future. He announced last week he was coming back to Tigertown for another season, but explained how difficult of a decision it was.
“It is so tough,” the Clemson linebacker said. “Besides committing to Clemson, easily the toughest decision I had to make in my life. This is a personal decision. You can ask for feedback, and you can weigh out the pros and the cons and all of those things, but at the end of the day, it is your decision.
“It was probably the first real grown decision I have made in my life. It was super tough to say the least.”
Shipley still has to make his decision, which will likely come after the Gator Bowl. Until then, he plans to be a college football player for at least one more game, while having a lot of fun in the process.
“I am taking that kid mindset and realizing that you have to fun with everything you do in life,” he said. “While you have to make smart decisions for yourself, you can’t look at everything as a business decision, but also look at the emotions and everything involved with it as well.”
Clemson will face SEC representative Kentucky in the Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. Kickoff is set for Noon on ESPN.
To honor Clemson’s special senior class Dear Old Clemson is sellingfootballs 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.
