2024 was supposed to be the year of Phil Mafah.
For a while, that is exactly how it was playing out, as Mafah went over the century mark six times in the first nine games. However, a shoulder injury severely impacted his production over the final few games as the senior back rushed for more than 30 yards just once over the final five contests.
For Clemson, that was a huge issue as none of the other backs behind Mafah had earned enough trust from the coaching staff to warrant taking on a more featured role. Even Mafah’s backup, Jay Haynes never had more than five carries in those games where Mafah was obviously limited.
In the ACC Championship Game against SMU, it looked like Haynes was going to take on more responsibility in the second half, but a torn ACL on a kickoff return would end his season.
In the opening round of the College Football Playoff against Texas, with Mafah still limited and Haynes out, the staff turned to WR Adam Randall. That speaks volumes about where the rest of the backs in that room were at that point.
Looking ahead to next season, with Mafah having played his final game at Clemson, the Tigers are going to need some of those other backs in that room to step up. Dabo Swinney confirmed after the loss to Texas that Randall would move to running back in the spring, and while that is an intriguing move, no one is expecting him to outright win the job.
Clemson did sign one of the top running backs in the country in the 2025 class in 4-star Gideon Davidson and expectations will be high for the blue-chip talent during his first spring with the program. It’s not all that far-fetched to think Davidson can come in and win the starting job. He’s that talented.
However, after what was witnessed last season, the Tigers need more than one back they can rely on. Clemson’s running game was basically non-existent once Mafah’s injury really started to impact his production. As much punishment as a running back takes each season, having just one that you trust is playing with fire.
Haynes certainly flashed in his limited opportunities last season, but there is no guarantee that he will be fully healthy by fall camp. Even if he is, it might take some time coming off the knee injury.
That means someone else will have to step up. After redshirting in 2024, David Eziomume should be ready to take on a more prominent role. How much is yet to be determined but this Clemson team needs him to take a big jump over the offseason. A two-headed attack featuring Davidson and Eziomume is fun to think about.
Jarvis Green and Keith Adams Jr. are also back. Green showed during the loss to Texas that he is certainly capable of contributing, catching a touchdowns pass from Cade Klubnik on a wheel route.
Adams Jr. is the elder statesmen of the group. He’s coming off his third season in the program but has just 21 carries under his belt. At this point, he looks like more of a short-yardage option.
With Mafah now gone, spring practice will be huge for every player in that room, particularly Davidson. The Tigers absolutely need more depth at the position than they had this past season.
Looking ahead to the 2026 class, Clemson has offered just one player at the position. 4-star in-state talent Jaylen McGill (Mountain View Prep) picked up an offer after an unofficial visit in September.
2025 Running Back Room
- Gideon Davidson (Fr)
- David Eziomume (R-Fr)
- Jay Haynes (R-So)
- Jarvis Green (R-So)
- Keith Adams Jr. (R-Jr)
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
