Clemson to start NC native at running back when Tigers face Wolfpack this week
Will Shipley will get his first start this week.
Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney announced Tuesday morning the true freshman and five-star signee will be the first running back on the field this week when the Tigers travel to face N.C. State on Saturday.
He’s been an impact player in all three games and leads the team in rushing yards, eclipsing over 100 yards on the season last weekend. The North Carolina native accounted for all of the Tigers’ touchdowns in a 14-8 victory against Georgia Tech to help the squad start 1-0 in ACC play.
“He’s special and he’s got great vision,” Swinney said of the freshman. “He’s got great toughness. He’s fast. He’s a very complete player. I mean, he’s relentless. He’s a fighter for every inch. ... He’s the type of guy that if everybody’s working as hard as him, big plays are going to happen on the outside.”
Shipley starred at Weddington High School in Weddington, North Carolina. The last time he was at N.C. State’s Carter-Finley Stadium, he was named the the MVP as undefeated Weddington won a state championship his junior season in 2019.
Sophomore Kobe Pace started two games in the backfield and will be the Tigers’ backup running back.
The news came the day after Swinney announced senior running back Lyn-J Dixon would be transferring.
Swinney on Tuesday also said junior Davis Allen will start at tight end this week. Braden Galloway started the first three games. In place of Tyler Davis, who is out for seven to eight weeks with a torn bicep, Ruke Orhorhoro will start at defensive tackle along with Bryan Bresee.
“Braden hadn’t played bad,” Swinney said. “There’s some things we need Braden to do better, but it’s just playbook. ... Davis has just been a little bit more of a complete player.”
Watch Clemson football vs NC State
Who: NC State (2-1, 0-0 ACC) vs. Clemson (2-1, 1-0)
Where: Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: ESPN
This story was originally published September 21, 2021 at 11:37 AM.
