The Clemson Insider wanted to pass along a positive pregame update regarding running back Phil Mafah, ahead of Clemson’s College Football Playoff matchup at Texas.
The Tigers’ senior running back was out on the field during pregame warmups — without a shoulder brace on. He usually has worn the brace for warmups, too.
That could potentially be a good sign for Mafah. He has been dealing with a nagging shoulder injury and will have to undergo postseason shoulder surgery, but is set to play today.
The Tigers hope to get a solid performance from Mafah against the Longhorns, who feature one of the stingiest run defenses in the nation.
Clemson will have Keith Adams, Jr., Jarvis Green and David Eziomume backing Mafah up in the playoff game, with reserve running back Jay Haynes out for the season after having knee surgery on Monday.
Mafah, whose production has declined down the stretch due to injury, has rushed for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns on 214 carries through 13 games.
The CFP First Round Game between the 12th-seeded Tigers (10-3) and No. 5 seed Longhorns (11-2) at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium is set to kick off at 4 p.m. ET on TNT/Max.
