CLEMSON — As Clemson’s season has gone on, a young playmaker has become a team favorite.

The emergence of Gideon Davidson, a freshman running back for the Tigers (3-5, 2-4 ACC), has reached a season-best. He earned his most carries in a game yet, 12, against the Duke Blue Devils last Saturday at Memorial Stadium. After progressively being shown snaps on offense, he has begun to make a consistent impact on most drives.

A few offensive stars for the Tigers spoke to the media about Gideon and how he has impacted this team.

“Gideon is my dog,” offensive lineman Walker Parks said. “I love Gideon…[he] is going to be an incredible player. He is one of the nicest dudes I have ever met.”

A native of Ghana, Davidson played at Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he dominated on the ground and earned multiple accolades, including MaxPreps’ 2023 National Junior of the Year Award and Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Virginia. During his high school career, he earned 7,438 rushing yards off of 701 carries, a 10.53-yard average.

Davidson signed with the Tigers in 2023 and officially enrolled at Clemson University in January 2025. Since his arrival, he has grown with the team and built relationships with fellow playmakers, who have a high view of the freshman.

“He has been balling,” quarterback Cade Klubnik said. “He’s not afraid of anything, so it’s fun to see him get out there.”

Against the Blue Devils, Davidson earned 51 yards on the ground with a run average of 4.25 yards per carry while catching four passes for 44 yards. Not only were his rushing skills displayed, but also his blocking, as he took on Duke linebackers and held firm in aiding his quarterback.

“We immediately created a friendship, and he’s my guy,” Parks said. “I love hanging out with him, he’s a great dude. I love blocking for him and, like I said, I’ll always be a Gideon fan.”

Davidson will look to continue to make an impact on the ground when the Tigers face the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday (7 p.m., ACCN).