Clemson running back Will Shipley said Thursday that the Tigers’ offense will showcase “explosion, poise, and a great-led group.”
The junior and all-purpose back praised the leadership of quarterback Cade Klubnik and new offensive coordiantor Garrett Riley.
The changes on that side of the ball seemed to have sparked a new energy in Shipley, who is coming off a 2022 season in which he rushed for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Here’s what else the star running back had to say about himself, Riley’s offense and his teammates heading into Monday’s 8 p.m. game at Duke:
- Shipley is excited to get the season started and return to his home state. He’s never played at Wallace Wade Stadium but he grew up following Tobacco Road teams because of his family’s ties to NC State.
- Shipley said there will undoubtedly be mistakes made in Week 1, but it’s important for the team to learn from them moving forward.
- Klubnik has taken some pressure off of Shipley as a vocal leader, allowing Shipley to concentrate on helping the team more on the field. “2 is the leader of this offense. There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind about that.”
- Point of emphasis this week has been to tuck the ball and keep it away from defenders. Duke likes to pop the ball out and fell on 67% of opponents’ fumbles last season.
- Shipley finds motivation despite all the awards and preseason accolades. He said he wil always play with a chip on his shoulder and has social media posts bookmarked.
- Shipley described freshman receiver Tyler Brown as “relentless” and “reliable.” He says you know that Brown is going to “know what he’s doing.”
- On playing in Riley’s “dirt raid” offense: "Phil (Mafah) and I both have an opportunity to make sparks fly.” Shipley added that it’s “not far-fetched” that he and Mafah rush for 1,000 yards each.
- Shipley likes having Riley on the sideline instead of in the box so they can discuss plays and drives immediately. “He’s the guy you go to for the answers in this offense.”
- Shipley praised third-string running back Domonique Thomas and how his work ethic has pushed Shipley: “I’m so thankful for him.”
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