CLEMSON – Clemson begins a new era in its offensive backfield when the fourth-ranked Tigers take on No. 9 LSU Saturday night to open the 2025 football season.

After the departure of Phil Mafah, the Tigers were forced to get a refresh at running back.

Adam Randall, who moved over from wide receiver, is expected to take the field first when things kick off Saturday (7:30 p.m.) at Memorial Stadium.

One guy who has a pretty good perspective on Randall’s development is Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz.

“He’s physical,” Woodaz said. “He has a bigger frame to move around, which makes it a lot tougher (to tackle him). He’ll step up in the hole and hit you.”

Randall displayed both strong and capable rushing skills this fall camp while also developing as a pass blocker, which is a critical skill for a running back to have. After the potential of Randall became clearer near the end of last season, the senior decided to go all in and commit to the ground game.

But Randall is not the only running back to take off in fall camp. After redshirting in 2024, David Eziomume quickly moved up the depth chart in the spring and then continued his ascension in fall camp, where he emerged as one of the top running backs.

“David runs really angry,” Woodaz said. “You can hear it in the way he runs, like grunting. You see how Marshawn Lynch runs, and that’s exactly how David runs.”

Eziomume only rushed for 62 yards on 10 carries last season, but his production is expected to rise heavily with the presence of a committee-like backfield this season for the Tigers. He showed off his angry-running-style in camp, and those skills are expected to grow.

Randall and Eziomume will get a chance to show the world who they are Saturday night.