What looked like a position filled with questions heading into the spring has become one of Clemson’s more intriguing storylines heading into the summer.
Spring practice is now in the books, head coach Dabo Swinney is feeling much better about the Tigers’ running back situation — even with key names like Jay Haynes and Jarvis Green limited and highly touted freshman Juju Lewis not arriving until summer.
“People are going to question this group until they prove it,” Swinney said. “But from what we’ve seen, there’s a lot to be excited about.”
One of the biggest spring risers was early enrollee Gideon Davidson. The freshman made an immediate impression, flashing high-end receiving ability and smooth route running. Swinney praised a wheel route Davidson ran and a back-shoulder catch that turned heads.
“He’s got it all,” Swinney said. “He’s just got to refine the lower half mechanics, but he’s poised, instinctive, and incredibly athletic.”
David Eziomume, coming off a developmental year in 2024, also stood out. Swinney noted that the redshirt freshman “stacked some great days” and looks ready to take on a bigger role. Keith Adams Jr., a veteran who’s mostly been used in short-yardage situations, made his physical presence known throughout the spring.
“When Keith runs, he runs angry,” Swinney said. “There was one play where he and a linebacker just collided like two bulls. He’s a physical presence and a tone-setter.”
Adding another wrinkle to the mix is junior former wide receiver Adam Randall, who has been working at running back this spring. Swinney called his transition “phenomenal,” and while it remains to be seen how much he’s used there in games, his versatility adds depth to the group.With Mafah gone and no clear returning starter, Clemson entered the spring with uncertainty at running back. But between the emergence of Davidson, Eziomume’s growth, Adams Jr.’s physicality, and some creative options like Randall, the Tigers may have found more than just stopgaps — they’ve uncovered a group with real potential. It’ll still take a full season to know if this unit can carry the load in 2025, but based on spring ball, the Tigers are ahead of schedule.
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