CLEMSON — Clemson made a big splash with the addition of running back Chris Jonhson Jr. out of the transfer portal earlier this year, but it sounds like it is Gideon Davidson that is starting to separate himself from the rest of the pack.
New offensive coordinator Chad Morris met with members of the media following Wednesday’s practice, and Davidson’s name was one the new offensive coordinator mentioned on multiple occasions.
“I think Gideon has had a really good spring. I really do,” Morris said. “Gideon’s had a really solid spring. Runs hard. Gideon has really stood out.”
At the same time, Morris made sure to point out that he’s liked what he’s seen from some of the other guys in the room, which includes David Eziomume, Jarvis Green, as well as Johnson.
“They’ve all done a great job,” Morris said. “They have all rolled through.”
“I think we have a room full of running backs that have had a good spring. They got to have a great summer just like everybody else does.”
Johnson is considered one of the fastest backs in the nation. He rushed for 479 yards and four touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore with SMU last season, while adding 17 catches for another 180 yards and a score.
“CJ Johnson has had a really good spring,” Morris said. “They are just two different backs.”
“I would feel comfortable out there with (Johnson). I think we have a good group of running backs that you can roll some guys in. You don’t have to have an every-down back that is going to get everyone of the reps. We got a group where we can roll guys in and feel really confident with.”
However, it is Davidson that appears to be leading the charge as spring practice winds down. As a freshman last season, Davidson averaged 4.3 yards per carry in limited work behind Adam Randall.
Coming out of high school, the 6-foot, 200-pound player was considered one of the top running backs in the country. He was a consensus Top 100 prospect and every recruiting service slotted him as a four-star prospect, with ESPN ranking him as the third-best back in his class.
Davidson averaged well over 10 yards per carry during a stellar high school career that saw him take home MaxPreps’ 2023 National Junior of the Year honors, an award won previously by Trevor Lawrence in 2016.
And now that he’s had a season to acclimate, Davidson is starting to show exactly of what he is capable of.
“Gideon to me has stood out as much as anybody,” Morris said.
The Tigers will practice again on Thursday before rolling over to the Valley on Saturday for their annual Orange & White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff for the Spring Game is set for 1 p.m.