CLEMSON – Through three games, the Clemson Tigers have struggled to generate offense, ranking 105th nationally in total yards per game and recording as many passing touchdowns as interceptions.

Despite early struggles and two losses, head coach Dabo Swinney believes that converted-running back Adam Randall has been a bright spot.

“He’s been one of the real bright spots for us and he’s given us a chance to win,” Swinney said.  “He just needs to play. He just needs to keep going and he really did a great job in the Troy game. Got it going. I thought we got it going last week.”

After receiving only five carries in the season-opener– including only one in the second half–  Randall posted 112 yards and 80 yards in the following games against Troy and Georgia Tech.

In his first three years with the Tigers, Randall recorded two touchdowns in seven starts as a wide receiver. Now, in three games in the backfield, he has nearly doubled that total, accounting for almost half of the Tigers’ touchdown production.

Despite being in his first year as a running back, Randall has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 13.6 attempts per game with three touchdowns, numbers that nearly mirror the senior-year stats of former Tiger backs Phil Mafah and Will Shipley. Both alums now play in the NFL.

“I’m definitely getting more comfortable,” Randall told media members Tuesday. “More experience, more reps definitely helps. Georgia Tech was a better game for me through the couple of the three that we’ve played. It definitely takes time back there, just getting a little bit more comfortable. It moves a little bit quicker.”

When discussing converting Randall to a running back, Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley both praised the Myrtle Beach, S.C., native as a committed leader. Those leadership qualities stood out last weekend against Georgia Tech, when Randall faced a third down with 22 yards to go. 

Instead of conceding and setting up a punt, Randall ripped through defenders for a 30-yard gain to ensure a first down. The Tigers ended up scoring their first touchdown of the game on the drive that Randall saved. 

“If I see daylight, go pick it up,” Randall said on his thought process during the play.  “It was really well blocked, got (Christian) Bentancur down the field having a hell of a block for me and, you know, just making one guy miss and that’s all it took for me to go get it. So, it wasn’t anything supernatural, you know, just doing my job.”

Along with making crucial plays, Randall has also stepped up as a veteran leader in the locker room during Clemson’s rocky start. According to the senior, the adversity is helping shape his team.

“Football comes with adversity,” he said. “If you play it long enough, you’re going to lose games. This is not the start that we thought that we were going to have, but it’s the start that we have. And, you know, looking forward, just got to continue to try to win the one, try to win the day.”

Randall and the Tigers will have their next chance to “win the one” Saturday, when Clemson hosts the Syracuse Orange at Memorial Stadium at noon. Coverage will be shown on ESPN.