On February 3, 2016, former 5-star running back and Spartanburg High School superstar Tavien Feaster inked his letter of intent to play football at Clemson University.

Many touted Feaster as the next C.J. Spiller and Spiller’s number returned to the field from retirement for Feaster.

Feaster struggled to gain consistency as a freshman in 2016, but showed flashes, rushing for 222 yards including a 45-yard touchdown run at Boston College. He watched as Wayne Gallman put together another good season as Clemson’s running back with 1,133 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, tying “Leaping” Lester Brown and James Davis’s single-season record.

This past Saturday the Tigers trotted out the four running backs they will rely on this season in C.J. Fuller, Adam Choice, Feaster, and Travis Etienne. The four backs combined for 221 yards, distributed pretty evenly.

This week Clemson faces a difficult task in a stingy Auburn defense boasting a talented front seven. Feaster looks to not only improve his stock against the SEC Tigers but is eager to showcase his talent and earn more carries.

Feaster knows success will come so far as he takes advantage of the opportunities given to him by his position coach Tony Elliot and the Clemson coaching staff.

“I have to take advantage of my opportunities” Feaster said. “Coach said he is going to feed the hot hand, if I get hot he will feed me.”

The sophomore certainly made his case a week ago finishing first among backs in yards per carry with 11.5. Feaster toted the rock 6 times for 71 yards and a touchdown, a run of 47 yards, in which Tiger fans saw the burst they have been waiting to see.

The Spartanburg native knows every rep is critical in practice and on Saturdays. In a battle between four talented running backs, separation is miniscule making every opportunity significant.

“It pushes me in practice to go hard every rep” said Feaster. He made his objective clear, “this is what I’m working for I’m working for playing time.”

Regardless of who the coaches trot on to the field first, Feaster is confident in his abilities as well as the decisions made my head coach Dabo Swinney and his staff. Focused on getting more game day reps is at the front of Feaster’s mind, but he is trusting the process.

“I’m taking advantage of my opportunities even if I don’t start or come in second,” he said. “However coach wants to run the rotation I want to come in and make the most of my opportunities every time I touch the ball.”

Saturday night when No. 13 Auburn comes into Memorial Stadium, Feaster has a lot to prove. However, he is confident in his ability to perform and is patiently waiting for his opportunity to shine.