The Clemson backfield over the past couple of seasons has consisted of the tandem of Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. As a matter of fact, the combo combined for two-thirds of all rushing attempts by the Tigers last season. This year, somebody is destined to get more carries.
With Shipley in Philadelphia at training camp with the Eagles, Mafah will have to find a new running mate. Keith Adams Jr. hopes it is him.
The redshirt sophomore from Utah enters this season having played in just nine games, accounting for 81 yards on 14 carries over his career. However, the “Hammerhead,” as the Clemson coaches have dubbed him, is hoping for more.
His head coach is counting on it.
“He’s just different, but he just makes plays,” Dabo Swinney told the media earlier in camp. “He’s more athletic than you think. He’s strong as an ox, and his confidence is really, really high.”
In a crowded backfield that also includes David Eziomume, Jarvis Green, and Jay Haynes, Adams has the most experience behind Mafah. However, all of the backup running backs will get a chance to improve their stock on Saturday as the Tigers hold their first scrimmage of fall camp.
Keith Adams, Jr. — Fall Practice Media Availability