Tavien Feaster to transfer out of Clemson

Story by Matt Smith

Running back Tavien Feaster has entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal and intends to graduate in August, according to a press release from Clemson University. If Feaster graduates in August, he will be eligible to transfer to another FBS program immediately to pursue a Masters program not offered at Clemson.

Through a statement, coach Dabo Swinney said, “We appreciate Tavien for everything he brought to Clemson University and our program and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Feaster burst onto the recruiting scene with over 2,250 yards from scrimmage and 26 touchdowns as a sophomore at Spartanburg High School. In addition to both of the state’s major schools, Feaster was pursued by Georgia, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, North Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee.

During his commitment ceremony on Feb. 3, 2015, Feaster selected Clemson over Tennessee and Auburn.  His head coach, Chris Miller, said at the time, “I’ve never coached a better player.” That put Feaster in the company of Marcus Lattimore, who had played under Miller at Byrnes High School.

It was during this time that Feaster started drawing comparisons to former Clemson star CJ Spiller. Both Feaster and Spiller wore No. 28, excelled in track and narrowed their school choices to Clemson and the SEC. Spiller ultimately chose the Tigers over his home state Florida Gators. The connection was deepened when Feaster opted to wear a patch honoring Spiller on his No. 28 jersey.

Feaster began his college career behind Wayne Gallman on the depth chart with the expectation he would eventually rise to featured back status. But injuries and the emergence of Travis Etienne prevented Feaster from reaching that potential with the Tigers. He now has just one more season of eligibility to showcase his ability and fulfill the promise that once made him a top-rated recruit.

While Feaster may not have matched Spiller’s individual accomplishments at Clemson, he will exit the program with 1,330 career rushing yards on 5.99 yards per carry and a pair of national championships.