Boom or Bust: Is Clemson’s Running Back Room a Strength or a Concern?
Clemson football enters the 2025 season with high expectations, but one position group is surrounded by uncertainty—the running back room. With Phil Mafah departing for the NFL and Jay Haynes recovering from an ACL tear, the Tigers are looking at a completely reshaped backfield. Will this be a breakout unit, or could it be the weak link that holds the offense back?
The biggest name in the room is four-star freshman Gideon Davidson, a dynamic playmaker out of Virginia who was one of the highest-rated backs in his class. Davidson brings elite speed, vision, and explosiveness, and he’s expected to compete for immediate playing time. While his upside is undeniable, Clemson fans are wary of placing too much responsibility on a true freshman, especially in a system that relies on physicality at the position.
Adding to the intrigue is Adam Randall’s transition from wide receiver to running back. Randall has the size and athleticism to be an impact player, but it remains to be seen how smoothly the shift will go. Clemson’s coaching staff clearly sees something in him, but will he be ready to take on a feature role in just one offseason?
David Eziomume, Keith Adams Jr., and Jarvis Green round out the depth chart, but none have proven themselves as a clear number-one option. Eziomume, a redshirt freshman, is expected to take a step forward after a year in the system, but his ability to contribute at a high level remains untested.
The optimistic take is that Davidson quickly establishes himself as a superstar, Randall’s transition adds a new dynamic, and Eziomume provides solid depth. The pessimistic view sees an inexperienced group struggling to find consistency, leaving Clemson’s offense one-dimensional.
Either way, the running back room is among the biggest question marks for the Tigers in 2025. It has the potential to be a major asset, but if injuries or inexperience become an issue, it could just as easily become a liability.
What’s the verdict? Boom or bust, this unit will be a major storyline all season.
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And as always, Tiger fans, I’ll see you… at the top of the hill.