Mafah primed to carry the load for Clemson this fall

Clemson running back Phil Mafah‍ finished last season with a bang, recording a program bowl record four rushing touchdowns against Kentucky. Now that Will Shipley‍ has moved on to the NFL, Mafah is ready to become the feature back in TigerTown this fall.

At ACC Media Days, Mafah told ClemsonSportsTalk.com that he expects at least 15-20 carries per game. Last year, he averaged roughly 13 per game. The Georgia native added that while he expects most of the workload on the ground, he doesn't care how many carries he gets as long as the team wins.

Given the expected increase in workload, Mafah has changed his routine.

"One thing I have been focusing on this off-season is my longevity,” Mafah said. "I want to be able to play as many games as I can this year and take care of my body and my nutrition."

He's started a prehabilitation program, which aims to help him prevent injury.

"Every single day after we work out, I go in there and prehab just to make sure my body's good and right," Mafah said. "I also make sure I'm eating right so I can run a lot, and I watch my weight."

Mafah broke out in the 2023 season, posting over 1,000 total yards for the first time in his career. He credits Clemson running backs coach C.J. Spiller for his development.

"He's taught me a lot, honestly; he's been there and done that," Mafah said. "He knows a lot about the game and about Clemson. He helped me to be a better man. First and foremost, he helps me with my faith, helps us all with our faith, and just knows that our faith connects to everything that we do in life. And if you want to be good in every area of your life, you have to keep that."

There is a lot at stake for Mafah this fall. In addition to taking on a more significant role in the Clemson offense, he also has NFL aspirations. He is currently the No. 16 running back in the NFL Draft Buzz 2025 rankings and has an 82.1 grade. With a strong season, Mafah could lift his draft stock and become a mid-round selection.

The opening game of the 2024 season will be a "homecoming" for Mafah when Clemson takes on Georgia in Atlanta on August 31. The Tigers will rely on the Loganville, Georgia native to set the tone and establish the run game in the neutral site showdown.