Clemson RB David Eziomume, 'I'm Big on My Faith. I'm Here for a Purpose'
Clemson running back David Eziomume took a step forward in his development late last season, tying a career-high with 10 snaps in the Tigers' 38-24 loss to Texas in the first round of the College Football Playoff. The redshirt freshman had previously played 10 snaps against The Citadel, but with starter, Phil Mafah sidelined by a shoulder injury and backup Jay Haynes out with a knee issue, Eziomume found himself on the field against the third-ranked Longhorns.
Heading into spring practices, it seemed like Eziomume was primed for a larger role. With Mafah departing for the NFL and Haynes recovering from surgery, the opportunity was there. However, the addition of former wide receiver Adam Randall—who led the team in rushing against Texas—and highly touted early enrollee Gideon Davidson added more competition to a running back group that already included Haynes, a redshirt sophomore, redshirt sophomore Jarvis Green, and redshirt junior Keith Adams Jr.
Eziomume embraces the challenge and competition while strengthening his relationships with teammates and coaches.
"This spring has been kind of challenging as well. We're trying to learn each other's skills. But at the same time, it's been a fun spring getting to know these guys, connect every day and just build better relationships with them and the coaches as well," he said.
A four-star prospect and the No. 22 running back in the 2024 class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, Eziomume arrived at Clemson with high expectations. But his redshirt year taught him valuable lessons about humility, patience, and hard work.
"Last year, taught me how to be humble, told me not to be entitled, told me everything won't be given to you," he recalled. "You're gonna have to work for it. It was really a learning experience, learning from Phil Mafah, Keith, and the other running backs."
That lesson in humility is something Eziomume has taken to heart and he recognizes that at Clemson, every player—no matter how highly recruited—must earn their place.
"We all know as a whole Clemson is the top university. So being humbled is a part of this process," said Eziomume. "Honestly, in football, [you're] not always going to be that guy. And I'm glad that I'm experiencing it now and not later on in life. It's shaping me to [be] a man, but it's really helping me grow as well."
Although individuality can't be the central focus of a team sport, it remains essential for personal growth. With the spring game on April 5 and the 2025 season opener against LSU on Aug. 30, what are Eziomume's individual goals this spring?
"Just focus every day," he said. "You're gonna have a bad day. You're gonna have a good day. I'm just gonna see what I can take away from that and grow on it."
With the transfer portal becoming an increasingly popular path for young players seeking early playing time, Eziomume could have explored other opportunities. Yet, he never considered leaving. Instead, he leaned on his faith and remained committed to the Tigers.
"I'm big on my faith. I'm here for a purpose," said Eziomume, who gained 62 yards on 10 carries last season. "I could be anywhere else in the world. I could be in California, anywhere, but I'm here for a purpose. I know that God's not gonna allow me to leave here without a purpose. So just trusting the word, listening to my support system, and believing in my coaches as well—believing that they found the right guy for the job."
As he continues to work to be that guy, his focus is on lowering his pad level and understanding both the offensive line and defense. He believes that, once he puts it all together, fans will see a combination of two of the most decorated and productive running backs in Clemson history.
"I try to always relate to old players, just so I can give y'all a little picture," noted Eziomume as he described his style of play. "[I'm] kind of like Wayne Gallman, but like [Travis] Etienne as well. I got the power. I got the speed, and I'm still learning how to work honestly. Still a process every day but once I hone it all in—it's going to be special."